November 16th is the annual Great American Smokeout. What a great time to talk to your kids about the dangers of smoking. Just like having to talk about sex, many parents are at a loss when it comes to talking to their kids about drugs–and that’s exactly what a cigarette is, a deadly drug.
Here are some tips to get you started:
(1) Have your kids write a paper on why they should not smoke. Have them actually research the dangers of smoking and present their findings in a well-thought out report.
(2) Of course, being a role model is the best thing you can do to make sure your kids don’t smoke. If you don’t smoke great but if you do quit. If your child already smokes make a deal to quit together.
(3) Have you heard of the scared straight programs that take kids into prisons to try and scare them into not getting into trouble? If possible, introduce your child to someone who is suffering from the ill effects of a lifetime of smoking.
(4) It’s never too early to start talking about the effects of smoking. I was pleased when Tyler came home and told asked me, “Momma, did you know that cigarettes are a drug?” On this particular day they had listened to an anti-drug campaign at school.
(5) Emphasize that you want your kids to grow up to be healthy and strong and that smoking will only hurt them in the end.
(6) Make the rule in your house no smoking and let your kids know that failure to abide by the rule has consequences.
But again, just like sex, you can’t really stop your kids from doing things you don’t want them to do unless you are with them every minute of every day. However, if you are a good role model, present your case as persuasively as possible and let your kids know that you will always be there for them if they need to talk, chances are they’ll make the right decision.
See also:
Movie Studios Asked to Help Snuff Out Teen Smoking