It’s something when you have to talk to your mate about getting tested for HIV, but what about when it’s time to talk to your kids about it?
I have a 14 year old and it shocked him when he saw that I had condoms in my purse. Just in case you were wondering, I got them from an HIV/AIDS symposium I attended that evening. He asked me “Mom, why do you have those?” I responded, “why wouldn’t I have them?” After giving me a respectful side-eye (cause he knows better), I told him that it’s important that whenever you engage yourself in sexual activity you have to be smart and safe. I then asked him if he knew what it was and he said “yes”. Hmmm…ok, I proceeded to ask, “do you know how to use it?” Biting my nails, anxious to hear his repsonse, he said “yes Mom! I know how to use them!” (sigh) I wasn’t prepared to hear that one because I never showed him how to use them.
My son isn’t sexually active (so he says) but I am happy that he knows what a condom is and how to use it. Also, does he know what they’re used for? I know this convo will take longer then a dinnertime sit down.
With World AIDS Day fast approaching, it’s time you sit down with your teen or pre-teen about the importance of protection and how it will benefit them from contracting this serious disease.
Here are a few tips:
Ask your children what they already know about HIV and AIDS. This can be a good way to start talking and to find out any wrong facts they may have.
Ask your children what they have learned about HIV and AIDS in school and how they feel about it. You can then give your children more facts and talk about how you would like them to stay protected from HIV.
If your children have questions you cannot answer, admit that you do not know the answer. Offer to find the answer together.
MORE TIPS HERE
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