Independence from Smoking- For Parents

It's important to teach your children about the dangers of smoking. Smoking is addictive and will hurt your children's health. But, we also know how hard it can be to compete with advertising that seems to be everywhere, glamorizing smoking and making it appear to be the norm. Children and teens try using tobacco for a number of reasons, including trying to feel grown up, to fit in and belong (sometimes due to peer pressure), to relax and feel good, to take risks and rebel, and to satisfy curiosity. The bottom line is that your children need your help to never start or to quit smoking. Parents really can make a difference!

What Parents Can Do

Here are some things you can do to help your children avoid the dangers of smoking.

Talk openly with your children about the health effects of smoking. Giving examples of family members or friends who have suffered from smoking-related illnesses or death can make the effects of smoking seem more real.

Keep the lines of communication open. Develop a trusting and comfortable relationship with your children, so you can talk honestly about important issues like smoking. This includes being a good listener. When your children feel comfortable talking with you, chances are they will be more likely to tell you if they've started smoking, or if they have been pressured to smoke.

Spend quality time with your children every week. Eating meals together is a great way to relax and talk about the day. Did you know that children whose families eat together at least 5 times a week are less likely to be involved with drugs and alcohol?
Get to know your children's friends, and where and how they are spending their time. This will help you know when to step in and give your children guidance and support.
Teach your children how to say NO to tobacco. Every day, your children can be faced with opportunities to use tobacco. Talk with them about ways they can let their friends know they don't want to smoke.
Be a good role model - don't smoke and quit if you do! Teens who have smoking parents may find it hard to justify never smoking or quitting smoking. What you do affects your children more than you might think.
Set rules and consequences for breaking them. This includes curfews, which can help kids handle peer pressure to smoke.
Praise your children regularly and show affection. This will help your children to believe in themselves, and feel good about who they are.

Source: 4women.gov/quitsmoking/parents/