Each day, at least 3,000 kids become regular smokers.
Most smokers begin smoking as young as ages 12 to 14.
Both cigarettes and smokeless tobacco are harmful to your child's health.
What are the effects of smoking?
Smoking damages the lungs, causing shortness of breath and decreased physical
fitness.
Smoking often leads to other drug use.
Smokers usually have a higher resting heart rate than non-smokers. This
means that while resting, smokers' hearts have to work harder than non-smokers'
hearts.
Smoking leads to increased coughing and greater chance of getting a respiratory
illness.
Smoking can lead to nicotine addiction, making it hard to quit.
Smoking often causes cancer or heart disease, both of which can lead to
death.
For those with asthma, smoking can make asthmatic symptoms worse.
Smoking causes wrinkles and bad breath and stains the teeth. It also makes
clothes smell like smoke.
Smokers get more cavities than non-smokers and are more likely to get sick.
What are some reasons kids start smoking?
Kids might start smoking because they think it makes them look more grown
up.
Kids might smoke to rebel against their parents or teachers.
Kids might smoke to relieve stress.
Kids might smoke because of peer pressure. If their friends smoke, they
might start smoking, too.
Kids might smoke because they think it helps them lose weight. They may
think that trying to quit will make them gain weight.
What are some signs that my child could be smoking? Signs that your child might be smoking include:
coughing
throat irritation
hoarseness
bad breath
decreased fitness
stained teeth
shortness of breath
more likely to be affected by colds
If your child smells like smoke, ask him about the smell before you accuse
him of smoking. It could be that your child was in a smoky place or with friends
that smoke, but is not a smoker himself.
What should I do if my child is smoking?
Ask your child why he likes to smoke. Have a conversation about smoking
without criticizing him.
Remind him of the short-term effects of smoking (yellowing teeth, bad breath,
cost, etc.). Focus on the present. Children often do not realize how their
current actions can affect their futures.
Do not let your child smoke in front of you. Smoking under your supervision
is not safer. Instead, it teaches him that it is somewhat acceptable.
Don't get angry or force your child to quit. Encourage your child to make
his own decisions.
If your child says that he can quit, ask him to show you by not smoking
for a week.
Offer to help your child quit. Give him support. Nicotine substitutes might
be helpful.
Have him write the reason he is trying to quit on the pack. It will help
remind him to cut down or stop.
If your child is trying to quit, reward him for trying and for each small
success. If he smokes 1/2 pack per day, even decreasing this by 1 cigarette
is a 10% decrease.
Praise him, give him more freedom, or let him choose an appropriate reward
to work toward.
Remind your child of the good things that will result in his quitting (better
fitness, improved appearance, saving money, etc.)
If your child is afraid of gaining weight from trying to quit, help him
find healthy treats to snack on and keep your child busy. Some people try
to ease the craving for a cigarette by replacing it with food.
What if I smoke?
If you smoke and you ask your child not to smoke or ask him to quit smoking,
he may think you are being unfair.
Parents' attitudes about smoking greatly affect their child's attitudes
about smoking.
If you ask your child not to smoke, explain why you think it was mistake
to start smoking yourself.
If you ask your child to quit smoking, quit with him. Keep trying. If you
give up, you make it easier for your child to find an excuse to give up, too.
How can I prevent my child from smoking?
Talk to kids about smoking beginning when they are young.
Keep communication open. Invite your child to come to you if he has questions.
If you smoke, try to quit smoking before your child starts. Talk to your
own doctor for help.
Discuss smoking ads with your children. The people in the ads look healthy
and strong. What information about smoking do the ads leave out?
When should I call the doctor?
Call the doctor for suggestions on how to quit smoking.
Call the doctor, a support group, or a smoking cessation (quitting) program
for support, information, or resources.
Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about your child's health.
Quick Answers
Most smokers begin smoking as young as ages 12 to 14.
Smoking causes damage to the heart and lungs, leading to illness, disease,
and decreased physical fitness.
Kids might start smoking because of peer pressure, to relieve stress, or
to rebel against their parents.
If you notice signs that your child might be smoking, ask him if he smokes.
Do not accuse him.
If your child smokes, have a conversation with him about smoking without
criticizing him.
If you smoke and you ask your child not to smoke or ask him to quit smoking,
he may think you are being unfair. Try quitting with him.
Keep communication about smoking open. Invite your child to come to you
if he has questions.
Call the doctor, a support group, or a smoking cessation (quitting) program
for support, information, or resources.
References
CDC. Facts on Youth Smoking, Health, and Performance. 2000 November 02.
Available from: URL: http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/research_data/youth/ythsprt.htm
Center for Young Women's Health. Information About Smoking: A Guide for
Teens. 2000 March 10. Available from: URL: http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/smokeinfo.html
National Institute on Drug Abuse Research Report Series. Nicotine Addiction.
2001 November 8. Available from: URL: http://www.nida.nih.gov/researchreports/nicotine/nicotine3.html#long
Rutherford, K, Izenberg N. What to Do if Your Kids Smokes or Chews Tobacco.
KidsHealth. 2001 July. Available from: URL: http://www.kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=KidsHealth&lic=1&ps=107&cat_id=&article_set=22896
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