| If You Smoke... |
What Should You Say To Your Kids?
You probably feel uncomfortable about bringing up the subject with your kids. Don't let this stop you! The children of people who smoke are almost twice as likely to smoke, compared to kids with parents who don't smoke, as seen below:
Percent of 11-17 year olds who smoked a cigarette in the past 30 days.
- 15.3 percent - One or both parents smoke.
- 7.9 percent - Parents don't smoke.
BUT, research shows that kids whose parents TALK TO THEM about not smoking are less likely to smoke- even if their parent smoke. So it's crucial that you talk to your teens and preteens about the issue clearly, openly, and often. The checklist below identifies key points before your next conversation.
If you smoke, here are some great ways to start a conversation with your preteen or teen:
"I smoke, but I tell you not to. Does that seem hypocritical?"
"I haven't heard you complain about me smoking recently. Why?"
It's a myth that just because you smoke, you can't talk plainly about not smoking with your teen . Explain why you don't want him to become addicted. Talk about your own stupid decision to start smoking. Don't be afraid to admit that you would have made a different choice had you known then what you know now. Children respect honesty.
Often, young children who complain about parents smoking grow into teens who are silent on the issue. This silence doesn't mean they won't try smoking. Peer pressure and the ease of acquiring cigarettes may lead them to try smoking. Just because they've stopped talking about smoking doesn't mean you should.
"I've told my kids that starting to smoke was the worst mistake I've ever made in my life. Ever since they started learning in school about the health risks of smoking, we've talked about it. Of course, they want me to quit, and they see how difficult it is to kick the habit." -Marge, mother of teenagers from Iowa-
More tips for smoking parents
- Have you made it clear that you disapprove of teen
smoking?
Adolescents are less likely to smoke if their parents make it clear that they disapprove. This holds true even when the parents smoke.
- Have you explained the consequences for breaking the
rules?
Rules don't carry much weight if there aren't consequences for breaking them and rewards for following them. Spell out the consequences. Then don't hesitate to impose them if necessary.
- Do you smoke in front of your child?
Actions speak louder than words, so think about the messages you're sending. Remember, you are still a powerful role model for your teen and preteen.
- Have you shared your struggles to quit smoking?
Kids severely underestimate how hard it is to give up smoking. If you've tried to quit in the past, tell your child how difficult it was. If you're trying to quit now, enlist your family's support and share your daily struggles.
- Do you leave your cigarettes lying around the house?
Easy access to cigarettes may increase the temptation to try one. Be careful about where you leave your cigarettes.
- Have you talked about the legal issues?
The laws vary from state to state, but in almost every state it's illegal for minors to buy, possess, or use cigarettes.
| "Yes, i found it difficult to talk to my kids about smoking. But I told them not to do it because it's a deadly and nasty habit." -Colleen, Wisconsin- |
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