Almost 25 percent of American high school students smoke, while another 8 percent use smokeless tobacco products, says the National Institutes of Health. As a parent, you're aware that your teen who smokes is putting himself at risk for serious health complications, such as lung and heart disease. But you're also dealing with a secondary issue: an infraction of the house rules--your rule--of not smoking in the house. Give your teen the knowledge and tools to stop smoking while standing by your guns to preserve a smoke-free home.
Step 1
Talk it over with your child. If you want your teen to stop smoking in the house, you must first understand why he chose to start. Does he have friends who smoke? Is smoking a form of rebellion? Is he attempting to assert his independence? Don't use threats or ultimatums, cautions the Mayo Clinic, as these aren't likely to work on your teen. Curb your anger and frustration and show your teen support and concern.
Step 2
Give your teen the information. According to to the NIH, smokers who start before age 21 have the toughest time stopping, and around 30 percent will die prematurely from a smoking-related illness. Appeal to your teen's sense of vanity and financial sensibilities. Smoking causes bad breath and smelly clothes and hair, the Mayo Clinic points out, as well as premature aging of the skin. Smoking is also an expensive habit. Sit down with your teen and have him do the math. Point out how much money he could save for other things if he stopped buying cigarettes.
Step 3
Model good behavior. If you smoke in the house, your teen will likely follow your example. If you smoke, quit, advises the Mayo Clinic. In the meantime, don't smoke around your teen and don't leave cigarettes and other tobacco products around your home for him to find. Confide in your teen--tell him how unhappy you are that you smoke and how much you want to quit.
Step 4
Deal with the household infraction. You may not be able to prevent your teen from smoking when he's with his friends, but you can lay down the law in your own home. According to a 2000 article in the "British Medical Journal," withholding privileges is most effective when older children break the rules. Take away the keys to the car. Fine your teen's allowance. Make sure your child knows that he's not being punished for smoking but for doing so in a "no smoking" zone--the home.
Step 5
Help your teen draft a stop-smoking plan. This should include a quitting date, says the Mayo Clinic. Look into nicotine replacement therapy, such as gum, lozenges and patches, to help your teen kick the habit. Talk to a smoking cessation therapist and support groups for your teen. Help your teen think of ways to stay away from temptation, such as avoiding friends who smoke or starting new hobbies and activities to keep him busy.
Step 6
Reward your teen for quitting--as well as for good behavior. The Mayo Clinic suggests providing your teen with his favorite meal on a smoke-free day or throwing a party with nonsmoking friends and relatives on milestone dates, such as when he goes a month without smoking. Keep up the small rewards and incentives to keep your teen motivated to stop smoking for good.
Tips and Warnings
- Be consistent when you punish your teen for breaking the rules you establish, advises the American Academy of Pediatricians. For every infraction, withhold a privilege--without exception. If you let an infraction slide, this sends your teen mixed messages.
- If your teen smokes, be on guard. Teens who smoke are more likely to use drugs and alcohol, too, says the NIH.
