| Even though they may not realize it, parents can be | | | | how old they are about the illnesses and dangers |
| the most influential persons in a child, young adult or | | | | associated with smoking can help them to not ever |
| teen’s life. This influence should be used to | | | | start smoking. If your child has already started smoking, |
| encourage kids to never start smoking or to stop if | | | | you should still remind them of the dangers, not allow it |
| they do. | | | | in your home and provide them with help and support |
| Although parenting advice to kids and teems is difficult | | | | when they express that they are ready to quit. If a |
| and many times ineffective, there are some tips in | | | | family member or friend has suffered from some sort |
| order to persuade them to stay away from tobacco. | | | | of smoke-related illness, be sure to discuss this with |
| To increase the chances that your child does not start | | | | your children. |
| smoking, it is important that you begin to start sharing | | | | Having a child that smokes can be very distressing to |
| with your child the dangers of smoking as early as | | | | a parent who understands the dangers of smoking. If |
| possible. Kindergarten is not too young to begin. It is | | | | your child is underage, do not allow them to smoke at |
| often during this time that your child may be learning | | | | all and especially not in your home or around you. Be |
| about basic safety in regards to drugs, strangers and | | | | sure to make sure that they understand the dangers |
| fire. You speaking to them about smoking will fit right in. | | | | of smoking, a field trip to the hospital to see patients |
| It is believed that nearly 20% of adolescents smoke in | | | | that are hospitalized for smoke-related illnesses might |
| the United States. This is an alarming figure and puts | | | | be in order. |
| millions of adolescents, teens and their family’s at | | | | If your child is older and no longer lives in your home, |
| risk for smoke related diseases. To curb this, it is | | | | you may not have as much control. However, you can |
| important for parents to take an active role in their | | | | forbid them from smoking in your home and when you |
| children’s life. This means paying attention to them, | | | | are around. Also be sure to be supportive when they |
| spending time with them and being involved in their | | | | express an interest in giving up smoking. |
| world. The Center of Disease Control believes that | | | | Visit this new powerful Quit Smoking Guide and read |
| these simple acts will help your child overcome peer | | | | about the most effective methods and quit smoking |
| pressure and will enable them to say no to at-risk, | | | | tips to help you drop the addiction. |
| dangerous behaviors. Speaking with children, no matter | | | | |