Cigarette smoking during the childhood and adolescent stages can cause serious health problems. Seeing your teen smoking is alarming, and it must be taken seriously. Do you know what to do when you find your child smoking? If you want a healthy lifestyle for them, you need to eliminate that bad habit as soon as possible.
You are immensely influential over your teenager, and you have the final say in your household, but how do you tell them to stop smoking?
Stay true to your convictions, do not let yourself be swayed, and make them listen and comply. Here is how you can do that:
Keep the dialogue flowing
Do not limit yourself to talking about cigarettes only. Talk about smokeless tobacco, hookah, e-cigarettes, and all the dangers they pose. Explain to them that this habit can shorten their life span. Be creative and passionate in your talks.
Tell them how they must act whenever a friend offers them something to smoke. Prepare them to deal with peer pressure. See to it that they spend their time with positive influences.
You are supposed to be their role model, so make sure to act like it. If you smoke or vape, then you have to change for them. Quit, or at least don’t let them see you smoking. You should not be telling them to stop smoking just because you want to, but because you love them and want what is best for them.
Instead of ranting about the bad habit of your child, listen to them. Let them speak freely. This will help you understand them and figure out the best approach. Afterward, speak softly about the negative consequences of smoking.
Set an example of not allowing any smoking at home, even if you (the parent) smokes. Stop smoking at home; kids tend to imitate others. That is why no member of the family should smoke. While you should not be pointing fingers, everyone must understand that nothing will work if someone smokes inside.
Though many think that it is easy to stop smoking, research shows otherwise. Try making a plan together with your teen to achieve the best results. Here is some helpful advice:
Why are you making this plan? Note the reasons why smoking has to stop.
Seeing a deadline will keep you both motivated every day. Let them feel that their challenging journey has an expiration date.
Include healthy and fun activities that your teen may engage in to distract themselves from the cravings.
If your teen is about to give in, remind them of a promise that you made together in the past. Be with them and help them fight back.
Give your child some stop-smoking products to raise their awareness on why their habit must be stopped.