According to the experts at TeenHelp.com, more than 6,000 kids under the age of 18 begin smoking each day, 2,000 of whom will continue smoking as adults. TeenHelp also states that marketing research performed by tobacco companies shows that 60 percent of smokers begin before the age of 13, while 90 percent begin before the age of 20. There are steps parents can take to help teens quit; although it may not be easy, smoking is a habit that can be kicked for good.
Step 1
Talk to your teen. The fact that your teen is smoking may anger you; however, experts at the Mayo Clinic suggest trying to understand why he is smoking rather than screaming at him. To help him quit, you must first get to the heart of his problem.
Step 2
Make a list. Although your teen may know the risks that accompany every cigarette, sometimes writing them down makes them become more real. Take an hour and help your teen make a list of all the negative effects smoking has on her body. This can include everything from bad breath to developing cancer. Once she sees these written in her own words, she may find the motivation needed to kick the habit before it does any serious damage.
Step 3
Set a quit date. Helping your teen pick a quit date is a vital aspect of the process. It should be a time when nothing major is taking place in his life (e.g. prom, graduation). These times can be stressful, and depending on how long your teen has been smoking, quitting can result in severe withdrawal symptoms.
Step 4
Help her prepare for cravings. Cravings will undoubtedly accompany her attempt to quit, so it is better to be prepared ahead of time. Purchase chewing gum, make plenty of plans to help keep her distracted and her mind off smoking, or practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visualization.
Step 5
Find a support group. Support groups can be especially helpful for your teen, especially if he has begun smoking due to a recent change in friends. Not only can he benefit from the support and advice of those around him who are experiencing the same feelings and cravings as him, he may also make new friends his age who are willing to hang out and have fun without a pack of cigarettes by their sides.
Step 6
Set an example. One of the greatest things you can do for your child while she is attempting to quit is to set a good example. If you smoke, try to quit with her. Not only will you be doing yourself a favor, you will be showing her that everything you say about the habit applies to you as well as her.
