How Can You Stop a Teenager from Smoking?
A large number of parents in Australia (as well as everywhere else in
the world) find it difficult to deal with their teenaged children’s
smoking habits. This can become even more of a problem if your child
intends to hide his/her habit. If you do think that your teenaged child
has started smoking, it is very important that you address the issue at
the very onset, because smoking can become a habit quite soon. The
first thing that you need to know is that there is little chance of your
child quitting smoking if either you or your spouse smokes. A teenager
learns by example, and if you want your child to stop smoking, then you
have to quit smoking as well. This can actually work very well because
you would have each other’s support to look forward to. Talking to
your teenaged child is also very important, and do remember that nagging
will not get you anywhere. If anything, it might just make him/her want
to go out and light up again. This is a point in your child’s life when
he/she needs all your support, and as a parent it is your responsibility
to be there for your child. Offer your child help to quit smoking, and
also educate your child about the various options that are available. If
you do not have the required knowledge, you can always look for the
required information online, and doing this together with your child
would also give you time to bond. It is also very important that your
child knows of all the medical complications that can arise due to
smoking, and if you know of family members or friends who have suffered
because of smoking, do not hesitate to use their experiences as
examples. You can also help you teenaged child to quit smoking by
getting him/her to join a support group; by helping him/her prepare for
the oncoming withdrawal symptoms; and by ensuring that your support is
unconditional. |
