<p>I realize this issue may be different for sons and daughters. And the issue may be different for over-18’s than for under 18’s.</p>
<p>However, what do you tell your child to do about birth control? Condom use is a non-neogtiable, right? Do you advise another form of bc in addition, in case the condom fails? If so, what do you advise for your son to do if the girl says she is on the pill (or another “invisible” method)? Have you ever acquired bc for your child?</p>
<p>I tell my kids that a condom does not protect you from many types of STDs. Many STDs are transmitted via ANY genital contact and since the condom does not cover all of the genital area, it’s poor protection against STDs. </p>
<p>I want my kids to understand that no birth control will fully protect them from STDs. </p>
<p>I want my girls to understand the side effects of many of the hormonal birth control methods. </p>
<p>I gave my kids lots of facts so that they could make an informed decision.</p>
<p>Everything.</p>
<p>Everything…+10.</p>
<p>As someone whose parents never once mentioned sex, birth control, condoms, dental dams, pregnancy, STIs, or anything else… I just want to thank all the posters on this thread.</p>
<p>I tell my kids that I don’t want them to drive the getaway car after a bank robbery, but if they choose to do so, they should use the seat belt.</p>
<p>Everything - over and over again. Took D to get birth control pills when she and BF were getting “serious” and had the doctor talk to her - over and over again. Really emphasized that even though she is on pill, condoms are still non-negotiable because of STDs (and back-up). She’s a paranoid kid by nature - so I think she gets it. Now S is gay - so I didn’t know anything about STD protection, etc - so I had a gay adult friend talk to him. Think I’m covered - for now.</p>
<p>Agree - we repeat it all, over and over again. And the fact that D’s 19 year old cousin is pregnant has brought home the point in a way that none of our parental advice could do.</p>
<p>CostCo has a very good deal on condoms. A box of 40 for about $10. At least, accessibility and inconvenience of having to buy it at a drugstore near school should not be a problem for awhile. I doubt he needs more by Christmas but I will make a metal note to ask.</p>
<p>We are pretty open about it all in our house, sex, safe sex and everything else. </p>
<p>But in our neck of the woods, our kids have also been getting sex education since about 4th grade to 10th grade, covering more and more depth. I think they know more about it than I do at this point. They have also acquired an extensive knowledge about alcohol and drug use from school as well.</p>
<p>Everything plus this: “Parenthood is forever.”</p>
<p>Thanks for all the responses.</p>
<p>Sounds like all the posters are on the same page (so far) lol. How about using a second method? How about spermicides? Are those still being used? Would you advise a young man to “trust” that his girlfriend is reliably using the pill?</p>
<p>How about using a second method? I always suggest 2 methods. Condoms plus something else (pills, ring, spermicide).<br>
How about spermicides? Condoms plus spermicides are very effective.
Are those still being used? yes
Would you advise a young man to “trust” that his girlfriend is reliably using the pill? no. 2 methods for both men and women. </p>
<p>Also, discuss with them about morning after pills if there is a “whoops” situation. But, tell them it is less effective (70%)</p>
<p>“Would you advise a young man to “trust” that his girlfriend is reliably using the pill?”</p>
<p>On the whole, no, but a lot depends on the girlfriend. If I knew her well, she was in college/grad school, and she had her emotional act together and was invested in her own education and future, worrying about her pill use wouldn’t keep me up nights. Any other type of girlfriend requires condoms 100% of the time, even years into the relationship, and that’s what I’d tell a young man.</p>
<p>I nearly guarantee you that CC is the only online forum in the world that knows about the Costco special on condoms. Thrifty, prepared, and ready for anything. Words to live by!</p>
<p>Gwen, David Sedaris actually got there first–he mentions buying that box as a cheap 'n easy handout to give to teens attending any of his talks or readings. I can’t remember the name of the recording where he talks about visiting Costco with his brother-in-law, but it’s hilarious.</p>
<p>I have no idea who my S’s partners are; it’s not up to me to trust or not trust them. My D is in a fairly long-term relationship but that is beside the point. We told our kids that they are responsible for their own actions and that means 2 forms of BC.</p>
<p>ha, beaten by David Sedaris yet again!</p>
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<p>Well both of our kiddos know about the different methods AND also about the STDs etc.
Both kiddos are committed to abstinence right now–
That said, I suppose we will do some reminding of the issues and risks before kiddo leaves for college.</p>
<p>In addition to the various things mentioned earlier, I told ds1 you never know what’s going on in someone else’s mind and that just because a girl says she’s on the pill you can’t know for sure that she is, or that she’s taking it reliably. Always wear a condom and protect yourself, in more ways than one.</p>