What do i do with my suicidal and erratic teen?

My son just did his Class Eight examination and is set to proceed to high school. During the December holidays, he was supposed to be circumcised but he has insisted for a long time that he will not go through the process. We have tried talking to him about it but he will hear none of it. He is temperamental and even attempted to commit suicide last year when we forced him to repeat Class Seven due to his poor grades. We don’t know how to handle him. Please help.

(Ondiek)

Your Take

Circumcision is important, especially for hygiene. If you can’t convince, let someone else, preferably a health professional, do it.

[Amos Otieno Ouma Amoke]

Before you try to force your son to get circumcised, you must first educate him on why it is important. Although he may be aware that he comes from a community that doesn’t observe the practice, mingling with friends who are circumcised will change his attitude towards it.

[Pastor Ben Shikuku]

Forcing him to do it is likely to spark rebellion. You need a successful and morally upright son than a circumcised rogue. There are alternative circumcision rites that do not involve the cut. Take the boy to school and let him interact with his peers with whom they will share on circumcision and let him make the decision.

[Tasma Charles]

You need to seriously talk with your child on the importance of circumcision or look for a trained nurse/counsellor to talk to him. Today’s children know more than the parents suspect. You also need to talk to a psychiatric for your mental up date.

[Onyango Outha Jauduny]

Sorry for your dilemma. However, going under the knife should be his decision. He might be overreacting because you are pushing him. Your role as a parent is to provide guidance. Identify a relative who can convince.

[Ouma Ragumo-Sifuyo] 

Counsellor’s Take

That boy is acting out of ignorance but he will soon come to realize how important circumcision is to a man.

It is not entirely strange for young boys to refuse to go for the cut, especially when they have heard strange things about it. In such instances, it is advisable to get a trusted person to talk to him and assure him that all will be well and that the process is not painful.

 It may also help to let him know the benefits that men get from circumcision, which include better hygiene and less exposure to infections among others.

If all these fail, let him proceed to high school and the stigma alone will drive him to demand for it more so if he goes to a boarding school. Sometimes, when people refuse to listen to good advice, it is wise to let them proceed and hope that at some point they will come to light and follow the advice they refused to heed to.