Let’s be honest: The emotional rollercoaster of trying to grow your family is enough to keep anyone up at night. But are you forgetting to talk about the one thing that could impact your family’s future more than anything else?
We spend months (years, sometimes) learning about ovulation cycles, testing kits, and the latest fertility breakthroughs. We compare insemination methods, obsess over success rates, and meticulously budget for every possibility. But here’s the shocking truth:
Most aspiring parents never pause to talk honestly about what happens after—about security, legacy, and what-ifs.
The Taboo That’s Hurting Families
A recent article from Business Insider, "I work for an estate planning company. Here's how I talk to my daughter in a non-morbid way about what happens if I die," shares how Casey Cohen, CMO of The Estate Registry, started having non-morbid conversations about estate planning with his young daughter. It’s striking: He’s not just protecting her future; he’s normalizing these tough talks at home.
Isn’t it odd that, for all the advances in at-home fertility efforts—from reusable insemination kits to online communities—discussions about our family's long-term security still feel hushed, even taboo?
The Data Doesn't Lie: The Gap in Family Readiness
Let’s dig into the numbers:
- Only 34% of US adults have an estate plan or will—meaning most families are unprepared for the unexpected (Caring.com, 2024).
- 77% of people admit they avoid conversations about death or serious illness with their children or partners.
- Yet, families who DO talk openly about estate and guardianship are twice as likely to report peace of mind during major life transitions—from childbirth to adoption, to welcoming a new sibling.
So why the disconnect? The data suggests emotional barriers; we’re conditioned to focus on the start of life (pregnancy, birth), not its uncertainties.
Redefining “Preparation” in Family Building
There’s real power in being proactive—not just about conception, but about everything that comes after. Sure, you might have researched every insemination kit on the market (shout out to the innovative options at MakeAMom—each tailored to different needs and designed for privacy and cost-effectiveness). But what about the support systems after you bring your child home? Are you ready for every scenario?
Questions Every Growing Family Should Tackle (But Rarely Do):
- Who will care for your child if something happens unexpectedly?
- Does your partner, co-parent, or chosen family know your values and wishes?
- Do you have a plan for passing on not just material assets, but your story, your hopes, and your family’s legacy?
- How can you make these conversations empowering instead of anxiety-inducing?
Practical Tips: Borrowing Wisdom from the Pros
Casey Cohen’s approach? Start early. Make these talks part of the family narrative—not a one-off, somber sit-down, but an ongoing, age-appropriate dialogue. Here’s how you can do the same:
- Frame the Conversation About Love and Security: It’s not about ‘what if I die’—it’s about making sure everyone feels safe, always.
- Use Everyday Moments: Think bedtime stories or walks in the park as a chance to share your hopes and plans for your family’s future.
- Share Your Values, Not Just Legal Documents: What matters most to you? Make sure your children know the ‘why’ behind your decisions.
- Empower With Data: Show your family that planning is the ultimate act of care—just as you research fertility success rates (like the 67% reported by MakeAMom users!), you can use facts to show why planning matters.
Why It Matters in 2025
The zeitgeist right now is about total family wellness—not just physical and emotional health, but legal, financial, and legacy health. More families are choosing alternative paths to parenthood, which means unique legal and logistical realities.
Home insemination kits like those from MakeAMom have made conception more accessible, private, and tailor-made for diverse families. But with innovation comes responsibility: ensuring your family is fully protected, whatever the future brings.
Ready to Future-Proof Your Nest?
If you’ve put this off (or never even thought about it), you’re far from alone. But the evidence is clear: early, honest conversations are a game-changer.
What’s the ONE conversation you’ve been avoiding that could secure your family’s future? Maybe today’s the day to start it.
Whether you’re just beginning your fertility journey with a thoughtful at-home kit or growing your family through adoption, fostering, or surrogacy, give yourself the ultimate peace of mind—talk openly, plan ahead, and build your legacy as intentionally as you build your family.
How have you navigated these tough talks in your own family? Share your story in the comments below—let’s make openness the new norm!