A child living with HIV/Aids can lead a healthy life when parents understand the disease well.
Being a parent is not easy. And, with the added pressure of living in a society where the fear of HIV/Aids is common, it is your responsibility to empower your child with the facts needed to live as normal a life as possible. “Talking about HIV can be a tough topic for parents. Yet it is an important discussion – whether your child is positive or negative. All children need to understand what it means to live with HIV,” says Thandeka Sikakane, HIV testing services project manager for the Society for Family Health in Johannesburg.
THE DISCUSSION
It is unfortunate that children learn about HIV from different mediums such as TV, radio, newspapers, the Internet as well as their friends. And, sometimes the information is not accurate. So, speaking to them is an opportunity to correct any myths or wrong information they may have picked up, explains Thandeka. Depending on your child's age, explain the basic facts first. Include points such as what HIV and Aids are, the difference between them, how they are and not transmitted, and ways to prevent them. “When talking to your child, provide reading material they can read on their own. Also, put aside time to answer their questions,” she advises.
Bear in mind that this is not a one-time conversation as children obtain new information throughout their childhood. They also need to know that they can ask questions at any time. This openness can strengthen your bond, and ensure that the correct information is shared to help them make healthy choices.
HELPING YOUR CHILD
It is all very well making healthy choices. But, how do you help your child to live a healthy and positive life, especially with isolation being one of the challenges they face?
Bu hikaye Bona dergisinin August 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Bona dergisinin August 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Damage At Work: Who Pays?
What happens when you damage company property or property that belongs to your employer? Are you liable for the costs?
Safety Tips When Driving With Kids
The roads we drive on can be quite treacherous. Car safety is not only limited to you as a driver, but also your passengers including your children. Vuyi Mpofu gives us six safety tips that you must abide by.
The Impact Of The Coronavirus
When COVID-19 hit South Africa, it came as no surprise that the virus would impact vulnerable communities such as townships and rural areas the hardest. The frequently asked questions since then have been whether the government has given enough information and resources to the people in disadvantaged areas or not. Everson Luhanga investigates further.
Financially Surviving Covid-19
Our finance guru, Sinesipho Maninjwa, shares advice on how you can navigate and survive the financial impact of the coronavirus.
All I Want Is A Baby
Trying to conceive with no success, and undergoing fertility treatment can take its toll on your relationship. This is the reality for many couples, and yet it remains a taboo subject.
THE TRUTH ABOUT - feminine hygiene products
Despite numerous attempts by medical professionals to debunk the need for feminine hygiene products, numerous women still use them. Lethabo Nxumalo finds out why and if they are truly putting you at risk.
THREE GENERATIONS OF MTOBA women
Linda Mtoba (27) is a mom, and she’s extremely happy about it. She chats to Amanda Mtuli about her pregnancy and what motherhood has taught her thus far. She also introduces us to her beautiful daughter, Bean. We are lucky to have the matriarch of the family, Linda’s mother Celiwe Mtoba (47), present during the interview. She lovingly gushes over her first grandchild while giving us insight into what it was like raising Linda.
THE OLDER SIBLING Blues
Expecting the arrival of your bundle of joy may be exciting for you and your partner, but might not be so thrilling for your older child. Experts say kids sometimes struggle to accept the changes that a newborn brings. Fundiswa Nkwanyana spoke to some of them to help you prepare your firstborn for the new family member.
Owning THE SPOTLIGHT
Film and TV star Fulu Mugovhani (29), currently graces our screens as Noli on the M-Net series, Still Breathing. The former Scandal! actress talks about getting into showbiz and lessons learnt on and off the stage.
Life After losing a child
A parent’s worst fear is the death of a child. And, when that fear becomes a reality, grief becomes unbearable and acceptance seems impossible. Four readers share intimate details of their journeys.
