As a parent, you have a vital role in helping your child avoid risky behaviors. Adolescents who perceive that their parents would strongly disapprove of smoking are significantly less likely to smoke.11. Sargent JD, Dalton M. Does parental disapproval of smoking prevent adolescents from becoming established smokers? Pediatrics. 108:6 (2001) 1256-62.
Find out why good communication is important and what it can involve. More
Here's some practical advice that can help you start the conversation by taking advantage of natural opportunities. More
Your response to your child should help communicate that you care about his or her opinions. Here are some pointers. More
Interaction with your child can help prevent smoking. Here are some suggestions to help you decide what to say, when to say it, and how. More
The younger people are when they start smoking the more likely they are to become addicted.22. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (1994). Preventing Tobacco Use Among Young People: A Report of the Surgeon General.(DHHS Publication No. 017-001-00491-0). Atlanta, GA: U.S. Government Printing Office. Here are some tips to help you talk to your pre-teen about not smoking. More
The more involved parents are with their pre-teen, the less susceptible those children will be later to the lure of tobacco.33. National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. “Got a Minute? Give it to Your Kids” campaign. http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/parenting/camp_desc.htm