Giant Condom Wrapper Pillow with Giant Fabric Condom by Little Elk on Etsy.com
So, a couple weeks ago (yes, I've been thinking this one through) I'm having an arbitrary conversation about kids and kid stuff; trends, friends, the usual fodder. I mention that the Mighty Pubescent One is dating and silence befalls a once fluid conversation. The conversation resumes- albeit spasmodically, "Oh no, St. Pious The Divine (name changed to protect the probably not as innocent as his parents believe) is not allowed to date and when he goes out, if girls are there, I send Sister Chastity the Beloved. She'll tell me if he talks to any girls." The young people of whom I am referring are 18 and 16 years old. And, no these are not faith-based restrictions; which I respect even if I disagree.
I then ask, The Exalted Commander of Hormones if she believes that fear and forbidding are a formidable opponent to human nature, to which she...well, I blocked the ensuing nonsensical tirade from recollection. Let's just say she was quite certain that fear and forbidding conquers all. I then ask, "Well, do you discuss methods of disease and pregnancy prevention just in case an errant erection eludes you"? She uttered a vehement, "no".
Now, one thing I've come to understand about myself is that I have a very difficult time accepting when my friends and/or associates are: 1. Ignorant 2. Cruel to animals or children 3. Not fans of the Dave Matthews Band. So to rule out any of the aforementioned, I try my probing questions technique. "Do the children ride bicycles, in-line skates, scooters and the like? Do they wear helmets? Does the donning of said helmet somehow encourage the children to propel themselves from high buildings in front of motorized vehicles or careening down rough terrain at high velocity?" The discussion lightened a bit. I think I even heard a "Girl you's crazy as hell!" Then, I went in for the kill. Dropping an octave or so, I asked, "Isn't protecting our children's lives and quality of life the prudent choice? I mean, this really isn't about pride and expectations, or is it"? What are your thoughts?
Peace and Protection
12 comments:
I am with YOU. Teach your children well. And teach them everything.
Oh, I am so totally with you. And the one parent/friend who didn't follow this line of reasoning is raising her grandchild so her daughter can finish HIGH SCHOOL.
I believe in being open with your children about EVERYTHING and sex and protection is NO exception to this rule! I'm afraid that the kids who aren't educated on the matter are the ones who get into "trouble" way too early in life! *sigh* Times are hard for young people... let's not make it that much harder with our ignorance! And you are so right... those kids have hormones that no fear will control!
*covers ears and eyes singing la la la la la* I'm not ready for all this and granted young Master is only 3 (almost).
I think the best course of action is always education. But then again in high school I was part of a program where I taught other students the importance of "wrapping it up" so to speak. :D
I think the condom pillows are cute. If I were a guy however, and went to a girl's house and she had a pillow stuffed full of condoms I admit I would think I had hit the jackpot.
PussDaddy
But I believe in being open with children, too, so I would tell mine that a couple of condoms in a purse or a drawer should be plenty, and to not stuff pillows full of them unless they want people to get the wrong impression about them.
PussDaddy
Yep yep. It should be all about education. You wouldn't send a pilot up in the skies without ever having trained him to fly so why send your son or daughter out into "loveland" without ever having provided them with relevant information! At the end of the day, kids are gonna be kids, and the majority of the time pleasure will prevail so its up to parents to be realistic and not "ignorant". Safety should always be the name of the game... pregnancy is but a fraction of possibilities.
You are so awesome! I need some of that moxie :) I'm with you though. When it comes to my kid, I'd rather stutter through uncomfortable truths than smoothly live in denial...that. does. not. work.
Thanks for waving the wand, it was much needed and appreciated :)
i think you are incredible and right on spot... i love your helmet analogy and have to file that one away for future use (tho' my brain is filling and i worry that the files are falling out of the back! there must be some reason for me forgetting things!) in all seriousness, you are right... human nature, being what it is in light of responsible parenting, requires practical and protective parenting... thanks for the incredible post...
First of all this is one of the most entertaining post I have read, you have a way with words. I hear you loud and clear, I grew up in a very strict "thou shall not talk about such evils of life" environment. I also know I was young once and thought ooooooooo if it that bad I must investigate. I think an education and preparedness and open communication is the only way to be. They may rebel, squirm, and even whine a bit but they are still too young not to have guidence, which can make all the difference in the world. You are not handing them a bike helmet, you are showing them your love.
so, my first thought was why are those condom rappers so damn poofy???!?!? then i read underneath.
but yep. i'm with you and others. especially with jennifer about the denial. definitely not the route to go.
preach on, preacher. Me thinks I will use your bicycle riding/helmet analogy in the future as I fend off the dumbdamentalists. Thanks!
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