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Yes, I Purchased Condoms for My Son
My eldest son is now sixteen and has a girlfriend. Honestly, I don’t know how we got here. It feels like just yesterday I was bringing home that little bundle from the hospital. Didn’t he just a moment ago have his eyes glued to cartoons while I was swooning over the characters? And now, here he is, more of a young man than a boy, navigating his first teenage romance.
I remember being sixteen and having my first serious boyfriend. My mom took me to the doctor to get a prescription for birth control. Looking back, I can only imagine how hard that must have been for her. Most parents want to keep their kids innocent and shielded from the complexities of growing up. It’s tough to let go, bit by bit, as they forge their own paths. We try to enforce rules that are meant to protect them—and, if we’re honest, to maintain the illusion that we control their choices.
As much as I wish I could keep my son forever young and close to me, I know that’s unrealistic. He’s maturing and making his own decisions. My hope is that his dad and I have instilled the right values to guide him.
One evening, during dinner with a couple of my close friends, they pointed out that with my son having a girlfriend, and given his age, it was time to buy him condoms and have a candid conversation. Not the sex talk, but the talk about protection and responsibility. I was taken aback. While I vividly remember my own mother’s efforts, the thought of addressing this with my son was overwhelming.
However, the more I thought about it, the more I realized they were spot on. I could choose to ignore the reality of my son possibly thinking about sex, or I could face the uncomfortable truth. The last thing I wanted was for him to get someone pregnant at sixteen, and the thought of that scared me to death. Two young lives changed forever.
So, I had the talk with my son. It was a straightforward, albeit nerve-wracking, discussion where he looked as if he’d seen a ghost. But even after our chat, I recognized that if he ever decided to become sexually active, he might not have the confidence to get condoms himself. And if things got out of hand… well, one mistake could lead to a lifetime of consequences.
The next time I found myself at Target, the thought of buying condoms was heavy on my mind. I initially avoided the aisle, but soon the boxes seemed to taunt me every time I walked by. Finally, a few days ago, I decided it was time to take action.
I approached the aisle. A glance around revealed it was empty, so I rolled my cart forward. But as I stood there, my heart raced. The packaging screamed at me with phrases like “Pleasure Pack” and “Ribbed for Her Pleasure.” I didn’t want to think about my son having fun or pleasure! “Stay calm, just breathe,” I told myself. Eventually, I spotted the plain, no-frills condoms. How many should I get? Six? Twelve? I ultimately opted for a pack of 36—not because I wanted him to be sexually active, but because I never wanted to find myself in that aisle again.
I tossed the box in with my groceries, feeling a mix of anxiety and determination. My heart pounded as I made my way to the checkout, and of course, every cashier was a twenty-something guy who probably just graduated high school himself. I felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me, but I couldn’t let that stop me.
Later, I placed the box of condoms on a high shelf in my son’s bathroom and sent him a quick message:
“Hey, I left a bag up high in your bathroom cabinet. Inside, you’ll find a box of condoms. I know this is probably mortifying for you, and trust me, it wasn’t easy for me to buy them either. But at your age, things can happen, and as your parent, I want to ensure you’re safe. This isn’t permission from me or your dad. We hope you’ll wait, but I know you’ll make your own choices. Just remember to be responsible and respectful. Here’s a video about how to use a condom: link. Love you!”
We haven’t talked about it since. He didn’t respond to my note, but I didn’t expect him to. Every now and then, I catch a glimpse of that bag tucked away in his bathroom, and I know I made the right choice.
If you’re looking for more insights on parenting and responsible choices, check out this great resource on pregnancy and home insemination or learn about home insemination techniques.
In summary, sometimes we have to confront uncomfortable realities as parents. It’s not easy, but ensuring our kids are informed and safe is crucial.