I have a jumbo-sized box of condoms in my hallway closet, opened and easily accessible, with a few taken out to ensure no one is counting or keeping tabs on how many are used. It’s as simple as grabbing a mint: just take one, or two. No questions asked.
I’d much rather these adventurous teens save themselves for someone who truly matters—someone who will cherish them deeply, beyond just the fleeting moments until the parents return home. However, I recognize that such wisdom often comes with time and experience. While they navigate this journey, I want them to be well-informed about sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancies, responsibility, kindness, and accountability. And of course, they need easy access to condoms. Because while abstinence is the only thing safer than using a condom, let’s be realistic; not everyone is going to wait.
The condom supply saga began when my daughters developed crushes on a strikingly handsome friend of theirs. He was charming, clever, and a favorite among parents—ours included. My daughter often claimed he was way too short for her, but they had been friends since kindergarten.
That’s when I learned about his “purity promise” card.
“YOUR WHAT???” I exclaimed.
He pulled out a card from his wallet, proudly displaying his commitment to wait until marriage to have sex, signed by himself and a priest. It looked like something straight out of a movie.
This boy, whom I’d known since he was climbing trees and playing tag in our backyard, was growing into a handsome teenager, and I worried that just a flimsy card wouldn’t be enough to shield him when temptation arose.
“Listen, I want to give you something,” I said, darting upstairs. “Just in case, you know? Hang tight!”
“Mommmmmm! Don’t…” my daughter’s warning turned into a loud plea as I rushed back down. I could practically hear the alarm bells ringing in her voice.
“Your promise is admirable, truly, but let’s be real,” I said, keeping my tone light yet serious. “Take this with you. On a hot summer night in the back of your parents’ minivan, that card won’t do you much good. This, however, might just save your night—and your future. You never know when it might come in handy. Promises are great, but condoms are a smart backup plan.”
Word spread around town, and soon enough, teens started dropping by for a casual visit or to grab something they “forgot.” The box began to empty gradually—not all at once, but over the years. By the time my daughter reached her senior year, nearly everyone knew where to go if they needed condoms.
“Seriously, Mom! It’s so embarrassing that everyone comes to me for condoms, and I’m still a VIRGIN! It’s awful!” she lamented.
“Just hang in there, sweetie,” I reassured her. “Your time will come. You’re heading to college soon, and I’ll get you your own Costco box to take with you. It’ll be worth the wait, I promise. Want me to make you a card?”
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Summary
In short, keeping a large supply of condoms at home not only prepares teens for safe choices but also opens up dialogue about responsibility and respect in relationships. It’s an embrace of the realities of growing up while ensuring they have the tools they need to navigate their journey.