Parenting Articles:

Introduction
Definition
Skills
Not By Choice
Church
Dating
Education
Alcohol
Aids
Sex
Blending

Single Parenting and Aids

Learning that your son or daughter has contracted the Aids virus can be devastating to a parent. What will be the first question on your lips? Why, Why, Why? How did this happen? Didn't he see the warning signs? Didn't she listen to the radio, read the newspaper articles or watch the Aids ads on television? How could she forget our talks? Why didn't he think of protection? Why did he or she think their partner was Aids free? How could they be so irresponsible? What didn't he understand? What did I forget to tell her? What did I over look? Where did I go wrong?

You should not torture yourself with these questions, nor live in denial. What is done is done. Instead, plan how you can fight back. It is not easy mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually, but you will need to be strong, because your son or daughter will need you now more than ever.

In a household where the disease has infected a teen or young adult, that parent may see his hopes for himself and his dreams for his son or daughter vanishing away. You must help your children understand that you can still live with Aids. We must still show love and attention. They cannot fight this disease alone, it is too hard. We must still help our children to make something of themselves. Life is not totally over. He can be a mentor to his younger bother, or she can be a mentor to her siblings. For your son or daughter to survive this crisis they will need the love and attention of both parents now more than ever.

Every family member should be told that your loved child has contracted the Aids virus, because it will effect every member in the family. Honesty, not lies and denial is what is needed when there is so little time and so much at stake. You should consider whether or not the time has come to take that family vacation you've always talked about, or hold a family reunion, or maybe there are other plans you should not put off. Every moment spent with him or her should be lived as if it is the last, because those are the memories you will need to hold on to later.

Being a single parent you might not be able to afford that vacation, but you can still spend time with your son or daughter. You could start by making a photo album filled with pictures of all you did together as a family or video tape social activities. You could take her to the beach or try fishing. You could take him camping or perhaps paint the home and give it a new look. What ever you do, do it together as a family. Make every minute count. Just spending time with him or her can mean so much.

Parents, this is still the child you produced. This is the junior you waited for, the daughter you looked forward to. He or she may not live to full fill your expectations of them, but it is no reason to let Aids ruin your family. Aids is a battle we must fight together. You should educate your children and your neighbor's children about Aids and its effects on your lives. The love and understanding you give your family and friends will be remembered and appreciated. Aids destroys families, hopes and dreams. Don't be afraid to fight back and don't let it destroy you.