It is very important to discuss the subject of tobacco addiction with children of all ages. Talking with your kids can help them avoid succumbing to peer pressure and the other numerous influences that lead to smoking. You also want to make sure that they are well informed with facts, rather than the common myths about smoking. Keeping an open dialogue will give you the opportunity to correct any false information your children may have picked up.We understand that starting a conversation with a child about smoking may be a little difficult. Here are some suggestions to help you get started. (Click for more tips.)

• Ask the child what they know about smoking and addiction.
• Inform them of how easily people can become addicted to nicotine (80% or people who try smoking two or more cigarettes become hooked for life).
• Educate them about the dangers of smoking and how it affects the body
• Discuss the advantages of being tobaccofree. If the child is involved in sports, talk about how smoking causes shortness of breath and makes it difficult to play as long as they would like.
• Show them how expensive smoking is with the smoking calculator. Compare the monthly costs with the purchase price of things your child may want to buy.

Peer pressure is an important fact of growing up. Studies have found that kids will change their behaviour in order to fit in. Resisting peer pressure is a challenge and takes a bit of practice and guts. This is where a parent can help. You can go over some lines that work, and even role-play with your kid, until they feel comfortable with the lines that work for them. Here are some suggestions:

• “No, thanks.”
• “Yellow skin and teeth don’t go with my complexion.”
• “It’s not cool anymore. Haven’t you heard?”
• “Why would I do that when everyone else is trying to quit?”
• “I like my lungs.”
• “I’d rather spend my money on (movies, video games, saving for a trip, etc.).” Look at the high cost of smoking. Use the Savings Calculator to see just how much smoking costs over a week, a month or a year.
• “I’m into sports and don’t want to mess that up.”

• Stay calm and nonjudgmental. You want your child to be comfortable talking to you about anything.
• Being supportive works better than being threatening and issuing commands.
• Ask your teen why they started smoking or vaping. Perhaps it was peer pressure and they wanted to fit in. Or they wanted to look cool or more grown up. If you understand why your teen is using tobacco, you’ll have a better idea about how you can help them quit.
• Encourage your child to talk with you about the pressures they may be facing.
• Since young kids often feel immortal, appealing to your child’s vanity will often work better than warning them of health dangers.  If the child is concerned with his or her appearance, mention that smoking stains their hands, causes yellow teeth, bad breath, stinky clothes, and prevents acne from healing.
• Listen. Ask how you can help them quit smoking/vaping and remain smoke-free/vape-free.

Remember to keep the lines of communication open and to continue talking about smoking. Peer pressure and tough choices continue throughout adolescence right into adulthood.