There’s nothing like a child’s unfiltered reaction to life-changing news. Country star Thomas Rhett and his wife, Lauren Akins, recently shared the adorable moment their family found out they’re expecting baby number five, and it’s a reminder of how honest, funny and sometimes unpredictable kids can be when processing big news.
THE video has already amassed 5.4 million views and perfectly captures the humor, curiosity and sometimes chaotic honesty that comes with children learning that a new sibling is on the way.
What happens in the video
In a sweet Instagram video posted on @thomasrhettakins, Akins set the scene by resting her phone on a bench and gathering the whole family for a “chat.”
He turned to their eldest, Willa Grey, saying: “Remember the present we got Dad? It didn’t go in, but something else did.”
What followed was priceless: Willa shouted, “Are you pregnant?” while Thomas Rhett laughed in disbelief. Their second eldest, Ada James, made her own hilarious take: “With who?”
Questions about the baby’s gender have followed, but for now, the couple has not revealed whether they are expecting a boy or a girl.
Because it resonates with parents
Children benefit from feeling included in these announcements, and letting them respond naturally, without rushing to correct or hold back their reactions, can make the experience even more meaningful.
According to the Child Mind Institute“Involving your older children in preparations for the new baby will help them feel more a part of the change and growth in the family.”
A study published in Psychological Bulletin notes that the birth of a sibling, a typical life event, is a major change for many children and families and that “Concurrent changes occurring in the family … directly affect the adjustment of the older child.”
Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins’ family video captures a universal truth of parenting: children process big life changes in honest, sometimes hilarious, and often unexpected ways. Watching Willa’s immediate excitement and Ada’s cheeky reaction reminds parents of the real, unfiltered emotions children exhibit when a new sibling is on the way.
Related: Kieran Culkin once thought he wasn’t ready for kids. He is now a father of three children
Fans can’t get enough of the family moment
From emotional reactions to playful baby gender predictions, followers were clearly captivated by the couple’s children’s genuine, unfiltered responses. The comments show how much this wholesome family moment resonated with viewers, spreading joy far beyond the Rhett household.
- “Something about the oldest daughter being instantly excited makes this super healthy❤️.” — @katiemariehague
- “This is awesome. At the Charlotte concert when TR said, ‘we have 4 now’ I knew #5 he was on his way. So much fun 🎉.” — @skmrhodes“
- “❤️❤️❤️❤️ congratulations to America’s favorite family.” — @mommyavocadorealtor
- “Awww this is the sweetest thing ever🥹😭.” — @jessica.tx24
Related: Troian Bellisario and Patrick J. Adams Share They’re Expecting Baby No. 3 — With a Love Letter to Their Child-To-Be
The children’s participation makes the announcement even more special
Moments like these resonate because they show the real, messy, loving heart of parenthood. Fans couldn’t get enough of Willa’s instant excitement and Ada’s hilarious commentary, with one remark, “The ‘with whom’ got me 😂💀.” These unscripted reactions remind us that every child processes change differently, and that’s totally okay. Whether it’s laughter, questions or squeals of delight, these candid moments are part of the joy of building a bigger family.
For parents everywhere, this story is a heartwarming (and relatable) reminder that family life is as much about those spontaneous, joyful reactions as it is about the milestones themselves.
Sources:
- Child Mind Institute. “Preparing your child for a new sibling.”
- Family transitions after the birth of a sibling. 2012. “Family transitions following the birth of a sibling: An empirical review of changes in firstborn adjustment’.
