Most of the information was not new to me, but a lot of what I knew was anecdotal. It's gratifying to know that information floating about is mostly correct (although there are some real doozies as well).
What I needed was training on how to present the information in a way that it will be received by my audience. We practiced with scenarios, pretending to have audiences of various ages and situations that had varied requirements. My practice session was to teach basics to high school students without mentioning condoms, per school request—which is not uncommon in Indiana, where it is illegal to offer condoms in schools. What's more, I had to do it without rolling my eyes. I really have to work on that particular angle, especially since I'll be offering my services to my son's high school. What are the odds that he'll crawl under his desk or disappear that day?
8 comments:
What!?
How can education about fighting transmission of AIDs and STD's be taken seriously without mention of condoms? Is Indiana really THAT backward?
So, how do they recommend you proceed in the presence of horny teenagers - who are having sex under their parent's noses anyway? Wink, wink, nudge, nudge?
I wish our "leaders" would LEAD or Get out of our way!
Amazing, I am sure there is a difference between discussing the purpose of condoms and actually handing them out. In our State schools, the lessons on personal development and health taught by regular teachers actually demonstrate to students (by pictures and models) how to use condoms.
You can't but embarrass your child - it is in your job description! Your mere presence does this - for the next few years anyway.
Even in the Catholic schools here they teach the kids about condoms. They should be handing them out though. The Student Outreach program is currently so desperate for people to come and rock the babies of the teen moms, it's heartbreaking. And pregnancy is only ONE symptom of sex.
I fail to see how mentioning condoms is equal to giving condoms. Oy!
Might I suggest simply saying "rubber". And are you hellbent on making your kid unpopular? I jest of course.
Every child's nightmare! I love it! Look on the bright side. At least you will give him a really good "remember when" story for his 10-year high school reunion. On the other side, you might even be giving a teenager some good information that they can't get from their friends.
Maybe you can say "condominiums" and let the kids connect the dots, since they are probably smart enough to know what they are anyway.
I love the title of this post Birdie...
thank you for bringing your heart and soul to the table when you post!
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