Talking to your children about HIV
According to the World Health Organisation, there are five-million youth living with HIV. On this week’s episode, the KZN Health Department focuses on how to talk to your children about the deadly virus.
HIV affects millions of people around the world, and it is important for parents to start talking to their children about the virus from a young age, especially because some children get involved in sexual activities from a young age. So, the sooner parents talk to their children about ways to protect themselves from the virus, the better.
This week, the KZN Department of Health shares advice on how to have the conversation with your children.
“Hi, it’s me again.
Hope you found our last chat useful and helpful in making the right decision about your health and the future.
Well, today we are talking about another biggy: Telling your kids.
It is never too early to talk to your children about HIV. In fact, by age eight, many children have already heard about it. Talking to children about HIV is not a one-time-only conversation. Children will be ready to hear different levels of information at different ages.
Often their questions will let you know that they are ready to hear more about it. The more open you are to questions, the more likely your children will be to ask them, and the greater your opportunity to give them correct information and help them make healthy choices.
Talk early and talk often to make sure that your children have the right information for their age throughout their childhood.
Teenagers are often more concerned with their self-image and friendships than with what their parents have to say. Many teenagers take risks and feel that "it can't happen to me." During these formative years, it is important to continue to provide your child with correct information about HIV and safer sex.
Well, let me allow you to think about this and hope you’ll listen again next time.”
Remember: It’s your journey and your children are an important part of it. Make the right choices for yourself, and them. Starting and staying on HIV treatment can lead to a normal and healthy life.
This health feature is brought to you by the KZN Health Department.
For more information on HIV/Aids and the KZN Health Department, visit http://www.kznhealth.gov.za/hivandaids.htm.