Teens and Smoking
There are many different issues that can arise during your child’s teenage years, and it is important that parents prepare themselves for the problems that may arise. One issue that can arise through peer pressure and through the natural curiosity of teens it that of smoking, and unless this problems us addressed early on your teen could quickly become addicted and could end up harbouring a habit that is not only expensive but is looked down upon socially, and more importantly can result in a range of serious health problems.
- your teen may be getting cigarettes from a friend or may even be stealing them from your home or a friend’s home, and of course, it may be that your teen is now old enough to purchase cigarettes and is getting his or her own supply. Whatever the circumstances, there are some tell tale signs to look out for and certain steps you should take to show your teen the dangers of smoking.
- Speak to your teen about the dangers of smoking even if he or she is not yet smoking. Prevention is always better than cure, and if your teen is more aware of the dangers of smoking it may deter him or her from starting the habit in the first place.
- Look out for tell tale signs of smoking in your teen. You may notice that your teen runs upstairs as soon as he or she comes in so that he or she can try and mask the smell – however, if you are a non-smoker you will most likely still notice the smell on their clothes and breath. Also, your teen may develop shortness of breath and a bad cough during the earlier stages of smoking.
- You may also find that your child is constantly short of money, and if he or she receives pocket money and is always running out yet never seems to go out anywhere expensive then you need to work out where the cash is going and consider that it may be on cigarettes.
- If you find that your teen has been smoking don’t just start lashing out and screaming and shouting, Explain to them why it is important not to get into the habit of smoking, and tell them about the dangers of this habit.
- Lead by example. If you are a smoker, don’t light up in front of your teen in the home. In fact, if you really want to set a good example, try and give up altogether to further encourage your teen from developing a taste for cigarettes.