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

to specifically discuss tobacco use. To increase your odds of having a productive conversation:

• 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 friends or family died from tobacco-related illnesses, let your child know. Focus on the short-term consequences (sore throats, coughing, bad breath, smelly clothes, yellow teeth, poor performance in sports, etc.).

If you use tobacco, , don't offer it to them and don't leave it where they easily can get to it. Quitting tobacco can have lasting health benefits for you and your family. , like age 5 or 6, and continue the discussion through their high school years. Many kids start using tobacco by age 11 and many are addicted by age 14. Encourage kids to get involved in activities that prohibit tobacco use, such as sports. Even if your child feels confident simply saying "no," discuss alternative responses such as "It will make my clothes and breath smell bad" or "I hate the way it makes me look."

shown in billboard advertising and other media, such as movies, TV, and magazines. Compare this to what happens in reality.

How do they afford cigarettes? How do they have money to pay for other things they want? How does it affect their friendships?

If you are interested in coordinating a parent education meeting about talking to your children about tobacco use, please contact us.