How to Talk to Your Child About HIV/AIDS
- 1). Think about the information you would like to convey to your child, taking into consideration such things as your child's age, prior knowledge and influences, as well as your own religious and cultural values.
- 2). Gather information about HIV and AIDS from doctors, friends and news articles before talking to your child so that you can relay the correct information.
- 3). Look for cues to begin a discussion - a news broadcast, a school assignment, a community event.
- 4). Be honest. Admit if you are uncomfortable talking about HIV and AIDS. Honesty can help break the tension in discussing a very difficult subject.
- 5). Have a positive attitude. A critical tone may put your child on the defensive.
- 6). Try to understand your child's point of view so that your discussion will be relevant and effective.
- 7). Discuss peer pressure, and encourage your child to use his or her own judgment when making critical decisions.
- 8). Listen to your child and treat the discussion as an exchange, not a lecture.
- 9). Offer additional sources of information. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has an AIDS hotline at (800) 342-AIDS.
