Each year in Iowa, roughly 4,000 kids under 18 become regular smokers. Many parents think their child isn't using tobacco because he or she is too young, too smart, plays sports, doesn't have the money to buy tobacco, complains when others use tobacco or has seen firsthand the effects of tobacco. However, young people experience stress, peer pressure, the desire to rebel and other common age-related characteristics that make them ideal candidates for tobacco use.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), nearly 1 in 4 high school students smoked a cigarette in the past month, and nearly 1 in 6 high school students smoked a cigarette before age 13. The good news is that young people who don't start using tobacco by age 18 most likely will never start.
So, it's time to talk with your child about smoking. It's not easy, but it's important that you do it today. Giving your kids information about the risks of tobacco use, and establishing firm, clear rules and your reasons for them can help protect your child from these unhealthy addictions.
How to Have "The Tobacco Talk" With Your Child
- Listen to your child patiently
- Ask open-ended, non-judgmental questions
- Talk when and where your child feels most comfortable
- Acknowledge your child's feelings so your child knows he/she can turn to you for help
- Show your disapproval of tobacco use itself, rather than disapproval of your child or child's friends who use
If you use tobacco,
Start the dialog about tobacco use at an early age
Talk about ways to keep away from tobacco.
Discuss ways to respond to peer pressure.
If you are interested in coordinating a parent education meeting about talking to your children about tobacco use, please contact us.
