Talking to Teens About Smoking Vestal NY

1. Bringthe subject up, because your teenager probably won't. Most teens don't feel comfortable talking about certain subjects with their parents--especially "bad" behaviors like smoking or drinking. It is your job to address these subjects with your teen--and you should start talking about it even before your child hits the teen years. Most schools host anti-tobacco and drug awareness programs each year, so when the program hits your child's school, jump on the opportunity to talk to your child about what she has learned.
   
   
2. Discuss the risks. Teens think they are invincible--they really aren't thinking about the effects smoking will have on their bodies. You should tell your child about the damaging effects of smoking and you should do it in graphic detail. If a family member or friend is ill or has died of a smoking-related illness, tell your teen about it. Sometimes a harsh reality is all that it takes to set teens on the right track.
   
   
3. Point out the other side effects. Teens seem to think that they are immune to disease, so tell your teen about side effects they really do care about. Yellow teeth, wrinkles, the awful smell of cigarette smoke in a smoker's hair or on his breath. And what about the cost of cigarettes? Have your teen add up how much it would cost them if they bought one pack of cigarettes a day--they could buy a lot of clothes or concert tickets with all of that money! Smoking is an expensive, addictive habit, so give your teen all of the grim details to try to steer them clear of ever trying it.
   
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Author: Victoria Miller