Vaping may have only really exploded in popularity over the past couple of years, but e-cigs have been around for well over a decade. However, few could have prepared for this sudden acclaim; hence, it took many schools, healthcare providers, and families by surprise. And, although numbers are falling, there are still a number of child smokers out there – so, how do you approach the subject of smoking or vaping with children?
Teach them about the dangers while they’re still young
Maintaining a dialogue can prove highly beneficial when it comes to teaching children about the dangers of smoking, as suggested by heart.org. Begin talking with your children about smoking and vaping during their early school years. Remain honest and open – try to see things from the perspective of the child. Keep conversations going as the children grow, as this is when they are most likely to be influenced.
It’s worth noting that there is more than just cigarettes to consider. Smokeless tobacco and hookah (commonly known as shisha) also carry significant dangers, and while vaping is much safer, there is still the risk of nicotine addiction.
Vaping is safer than smoking, but still not appropriate for children
Ask children for their take on smoking and vaping. Do their peers smoke or vape? Although they may turn their nose up at cigarettes, it’s possible that they think vaping is cool. Exposure to toxic substances is certainly reduced when it comes to vaping, but with children, there is still reason to be concerned. Driving at 90mph with a seat belt on is far safer than driving without one, but both situations carry great risk. If your child is showing an interest in vaping, ask why.
If you’re a smoker yourself, tell the child your honest thoughts and feelings. You may have tried to quit and failed. If so, tell them that you wish you had never started such an unhealthy habit. You may even have moved on to alternatives to smoking such as e-liquids and nic salts. And if this is so, well done – this shows children that you are serious about addressing the dangers of smoking, and that such alternatives should only be used as a means to quit.
While the best thing you can do is quit altogether, you could also try to avoid smoking or vaping around children – establishing an altogether a smoke-free home. With this in mind however, prepare your kids for possible peer pressure to come. Sometimes, it’s worth discussing what to say if a friend offers them a cigarette, or an e-cig.
If your child is vaping or smoking
Stay calm. If you are angry, you’re likely to damage their trust in you, and that may be a determining factor in helping them kick the habit. It may also encourage them to continue vaping or smoking, as they might relish the adrenaline rush from breaking rules. Instead, adopt a strategy to properly address the situation without worsening it.
Before you do broach the situation, equip yourself with relevant and reliable information. Vaping is far safer than smoking, therefore scaremongering is unlikely to be effective here. Construct a strong argument about the pitfalls of both smoking and vaping, and reaffirm why they should quit, before they really start.