Despite momentous efforts to guide your child in the right direction in life, some children will still pick up the habit of smoking. The National Institutes of Health state that 1/4 of all high school-aged children in the United States smoke tobacco products. Not every child is willing or able to admit to to smoking or are reluctant to face the consequences of making a bad decision. This makes it tough for parents to help their children overcome the dangerous and difficult task of facing tobacco addiction.
Step 1
Maintain an open dialogue about smoking and tobacco-related problems with your child. The Mayo Clinic suggests appealing to the things in life that are most important to them. A teenager concerned with her appearance may be more likely to seek help if she understands that tobacco can cause premature aging. An athlete may be more willing to cop to smoking if she understands that her speed, performance and lung capacity can be greatly diminished by smoking. Have frequent, frank discussions about the dangers of tobacco and how hard it can be to quit. Show support rather than making accusations.
Step 2
Observe your child's health. The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that smoking causes a decrease in blood flow which can lead to a lack of energy. Smokers are more likely to cough and develop lung-related illnesses, such as asthma attacks or even common colds, than non-smokers.
Step 3
Take note of your child's behavior when he comes home. Dr. Neil Bernstein for Healthyplace.com notes that a child who is constantly chewing breath mints or gum or dousing himself in perfume may be doing so in an attempt to mask the smell of tobacco smoke.
Step 4
Keep an eye out for mood swings. Nicotine is an addictive drug. Smokers who go too long without a cigarette may become irritable and moody.
Step 5
Make a note of your child's spending habits. If money is disappearing to unknown sources, it may be possible your child is using it to purchase cigarettes.
Step 6
Hug your child, suggests Dr. David Usher in "Parenteen." Hugging isn't just a sign of physical affection--it allows you to get close to your child to sniff for traces of tobacco odors.
Step 7
Take note of your child's oral hygiene. Yellowing of the teeth is one possible sign your child is smoking, though this can also be caused by drinking coffee or soda. Take note of your child's lips--abnormally chapped or burned spots are possible indications that your child has been smoking.
Tips and Warnings
- Speak honestly and frankly and listen the same way. Your concern for your child is based out of love, but your child may feel angered by your thought that he may be smoking. Explain why you feel the way you do and your reason for being concerned.
- Many signs of smoking have alternative causes. Don't rely on just one or two hints that your child might be smoking when having a discussion with your child about her habits.
References
- National Institutes of Health: Smoking and Youth
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Smoking and Tobacco Use: Youth Smoking Prevention Fact Sheet
- Nemours: Kidshealth.org: Smoking Stinks!
- Healthy Place: Signs Your Child is Using or Abusing Drugs or Alcohol
- "Parenteen"; Dr. David Usher, Christine Evans; 2009
