Parents, It's Time To Keep Talking With Youth

The days of thinking that Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is "someone else's" concern are over. Grey and Bruce residents are living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection/AIDS. Some of these residents believe they were infected in their youth.

Why is infection still occurring at epidemic rates when we have had more than ten years of prevention education about this horrific disease? Youth have demonstrated two responses: denial that it will happen to them personally, and apathy toward the ongoing AIDS education. Dr. S. Read (Hospital for Sick Children's chief of infectious disease) suggests the following rationale: "Though kids hear the words about AIDS, many still believe the four "I's" of adolescence - they're immune, immortal, infertile and invulnerable." Because of these well-established beliefs, AIDS education must move beyond just hearing to talking about the issues and risks that exist.

Parents, you can listen and:

• Determine your kids' level of knowledge or experience and then correct misconceptions,
• Distortions or just plain ignorance;
• Determine your kids' interest in sex by the television shows, movies and magazines viewed;
• Determine the peer pressure your kids are under and to what extent they conform or resist.

By looking and listening, you will determine that youth are interested in their sexuality and the expression of it. You are the best person to talk about it with your child or adolescent.

WHY?

• To reduce fears and help satisfy natural curiosity.
• To reassure children who may know friends or family who have been affected by HIV/AIDS.
• To help delay the beginning of sexual activity.
• To encourage safer sex practices if they are already sexually active.
• To promote healthy attitudes about sexuality and love.
• To share family values.

WHAT?

Children at this age are learning about their bodies and the world through play. They can learn simple healthy routines such as bathing, brushing their teeth, and eating good food. A parent can let the child know that sex is one of the things that can be talked about in their home.

Young children are interested in birth, marriage and death. They have probably heard about AIDS on TV, and they may have questions or fears. They need to know that they shouldn't worry about getting AIDS and that people do not get HIV from being bad. They can understand basic ideas from simple examples such as getting germs into a cut.

The pre-teen years are when the changes of puberty begin. Pre-teens are concerned about their bodies, their looks and what is normal. Some may start dating, have early sexual experiences, or try drugs. Parents need to talk to them about sexuality, AIDS and drugs. Their natural curiosity about sexuality needs to be addressed through accurate information, using the correct words for the different parts of the body. They need to know what is meant by sexual intercourse, how HIV is spread, how to avoid risky behaviors, and why taking drugs is dangerous.

This can be a time of confusion or conflict. Teenagers need to know that the best way to prevent HIV is to avoid sexual intercourse or using drugs. Parents can reinforce this in the context of their values. We should recognize that, although we want them to, some will not wait. Therefore, they need to know about latex barriers, birth control, and alternative forms of expressing their need for intimacy. Teens need to know how drugs and alcohol affect their judgment. They also need to know about the high risk of sharing needles through injection drug use, steroids, ear piercing and tattooing.

• "What did you mean by that word?"
• "What do you think?"
• "That's a good question."
• "I'm trying to understand what you're feeling."
• "What do you think about that pamphlet?"

• "When I was your age..."
• "You're too young."
• "Where did you hear that?"
• "I don't care what your friends are doing."

If you have questions about talking with your child about HIV or other sexual health issues, call a health care professional at one of our Sexual Health Clinic Locations in Grey Bruce.

For More Information Visit:

www.sexualityandu.ca

www.teachingsexualhealth.ca