One study shows that 25% of all new HIV infections are in young people under the age of 22. If it's not the child who is infected then it is a parent, a friend, or a loved one. HIV is closer to our kids then we want to believe. And because it is, having that "sex talk" with your adolescent is more important than ever; and more difficult. While 3 million teens contract a sexually transmitted disease each year, knowing how to talk to your child can help decrease that number. These tips should help you talk frankly with your child about HIV & AIDS.
Difficulty: Hard
Time Required: As Long As It Takes
Here's How:
- Before starting any conversation, know what information you want to give your child and how you want to present it.
- Review the facts about HIV & AIDS prior to talking with your child. It is essential that you give them accurate and current HIV information.
- To get the ball rolling, find a common starting point that both you and your child are comfortable with. Examples of this include:
- research for a school project
- topics of television programs or commercials
- current events from magazines or newspapers
- Be honest with your child. If you are uncomfortable with the subject matter chances are they are too. Share your feelings with them. The feelings of you both can become a common link that will make the discussion easier.
- Be positive and not punitive. If the child senses your discussion is a lecture or a reprimand, they are most likely to tune out.
- Listen to what they have to say and encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings.
- While it might be hard not to judge, try and understand your child's point of view. Even if you don't agree or share the same opinion, allowing them to express theirs without judgement is essential to getting your message across.
- Acknowledge the difficulties of peer pressure. Urge your child to use their own judgement when making difficult decisions regarding sex.
- Provide them with educational material or web sites where they can learn in private. They may be more comfortable with this type of learning which will improve their retention and understanding of the subject matter.
Tips:
- Structure your discussion in a way that is age appropriate for your child.
- Be prepared to hear things you may not want to hear from your child such as their thoughts about sex and past sexual encounters.
- Make certain to structure your discussion in a positive, non-threatening and non-judgemental way.
- Set aside a place and time where just you and your child can have this private discussion.
