Talking to Kids About AIDS and STDs

When you talk to children about sex it is important that you talk to them about sexual health. Teaching them about sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS is a vital aspect of sexual health. As people start having sex younger and younger and are less responsible, sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS are spreading more quickly. While it’s very hard to acknowledge the fact that your teenager may be considering having sex, it is essential that you talk to them about health and sexual safety including that of avoiding AIDS and STDs. Don’t forget to mention that it is impossible to contract a sexually transmitted disease if you are not having sex.

The following is a step-by-step look at how you can talk to your child about AIDS and STDs:

Step One: Be sure you brush up on the subject. Talking to your child about AIDS and STDs is not a general matter; you need to know specifics. It would be wise to spend a few hours on the Internet doing some research about the most common STDs and about AIDS so that when you talk to your child you are educated and informed on the subject yourself.

Step Two: When you bring the subject up, evaluate how much your child already knows about STDs and AIDS. If you want your child to listen you cannot repeat information they already know. In addition to making the conversation more interesting, it gives you an idea of where to start and what aspects of the world of sexual health you need to address.

Step Three: While you don’t want to get too technical with your information or too complicated, you do want to talk about specifics. Be sure you address the most common forms of STDs and AIDS including chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, syphilis, pubic lice, and hepatitis. Give your child a general overview of what these STDs are, how they can affect their lives, and a look at the discomfort or potentially deadly side effects of these STDs.

Step Four: Take things slow. Your child will become overwhelmed if you pile information on them; instead introduce the subject of sexually-transmitted diseases and HIV, and add to it gradually as opportunity presents itself. It would be wise to sit down with your child once and discuss the main sexually-transmitted diseases out there and how they are transmitted as well as how they are treated. However do not end things there; continually remind them of their risks, and gradually build on the information you’ve given them.

Step Five: When you talk to your child about sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS, it is essential that you explain cause and effect. Just explaining what they are often leaves your child thinking that this is not something that could happen to them, or that it’s unlikely to occur. Everyone thinks they’re the exception. So instead focus on cause and effect. Make sure your child understands that this is not something that happens by chance, but is their responsibility to avoid. If your child can understand their responsibility in the role of avoiding STDs and AIDS, then you have successfully been able to educate them on sexual health.

Step Six: Last but not least, it is essential that you tell your children that you are always there for them, and that if they should contract an STD or AIDS that you will be there to help them find treatment and that you would like them to talk to you and come to you with questions about sex. While ignorance is bliss, knowledge can help save your child from discomfort and disease.