Encourage Kids Not to Start Smoking

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 80 percent of adult smokers start smoking before the age of 18. From the media and peers, children are under plenty of pressure to smoke. A positive adult role model is a strong deterrent in offsetting the glamorization of cigarettes.

Instructions

Step1

Quit smoking if you are a smoker. Children learn by example. However, if you cannot quit, then do not smoke in front of your children and be sure to keep your cigarettes out of their view.

Step2

Understand that as a parent, you are the most powerful influence on your children. Television, movies, music and advertising will have less of an effect on your children if you are open to frequent dialogue about the dangers of smoking.

Step3

Talk to your children about the dangers of smoking by the age of 5. Many kids start smoking as early as 11, so it is essential to communicate early on.

Step4

Be straightforward when you talk to your children about the health hazards of tobacco. Give examples of smoking-related diseases and illnesses, and don't be afraid to tell children about someone they know who has died from a smoking-related illness.

Step5

Explain that the media often glamorizes smoking. Also, address situations as they occur. Talk immediately to your children about a billboard advertising cigarettes or an actor smoking on television.

Step6

Encourage your children to feel safe talking to you about smoking. Urge them to ask you questions, and let them know that you will listen without judging.

Step7

Help your children role-play different ways to say "no" when offered a cigarette by a peer.

Step8

Know who your children's friends are and whether they smoke. Discuss with your children the dangers of smoking for their friends, and again role-play how to say no.

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