How to Explain AIDS to Children
Children need to know about AIDS. Many hear about the disease by the time they reach the third grade, and parents are responsible for ensuring that their children understand the medical facts of the disease--not the myths that surround it. Speaking about AIDS can be difficult, but some simple preparation and help from your family doctor can make the task easier.
Instructions
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Get your timing right. Children can sense an "important parent talk" from miles away, so pick an appropriate time to bring it up. If you see a TV news story or commercial about AIDS, use that to initiate the conversation.
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Explain how the disease works. AIDS is caused by the HIV virus, and it makes people sick by killing the cells that defend the body from infection. When the virus kills too many cells, the person has AIDS.
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Make the conversation age-appropriate. For children who do not yet know about sex, blood transfusions or intravenous drug use, simply say that people get HIV when the fluids in their body mix with the fluids of infected people. Reassure your child that things that commonly happen to them, like paper cuts, scrapes and bruises, don't cause AIDS.
For pre-teens or teenagers who already have been taught about sex, explain that condoms can protect people from AIDS by preventing bodily fluids from mixing with one another.
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Stick to the facts. Although anyone can contract AIDS, some adults still believe that the disease is exclusive to homosexuals, IV drug users and other groups. It is a parent's right to express opinions and feelings, but it is a parent's responsibility to ensure that children have clear and accurate knowledge of this major public health problem. Limit the conversation to the medical facts--your feelings and opinions might confuse your child.
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Bring your family doctor into the conversation. Ask the doctor to explain the disease during your child's next visit, or ask for a brochure written for children. Your doctor also might be able to recommend age-appropriate books on the topic.
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