Talking to Children About the Dangers of Smoking

It's important to talk with your children about the dangers of smoking. Most adult smokers begin while in their teens or earlier. Smoking is also addictive for children and can cause harm even while they are still young. But we also know how hard it can be to compete with advertising that seems to be everywhere, making smoking look cool and appear to be a normal thing to do. Children and teens try using tobacco for many reasons, like trying to fit in with friends or control weight. The bottom line is that your children need your help to never start or to quit smoking. Here are some tips:

• Teach your children about how smoking can affect their health. Give examples of smokers they know with health problems so it seems like a real threat.

• Keep an open mind and listen to your children. Make them feel like they can talk to you about important issues like smoking. Chances are, they will be more likely to tell you if they have started smoking, or if they have been pressured by others to smoke.

• Use role-playing to help them practice ways to tell their friends they don't want to smoke.

• Praise your children so they believe in themselves and feel good about who they are.

• Be a good role model. Don't smoke, and quit now if you do.