These days, smoking is far less prevalent than it used to be. It’s not allowed in most public spaces, there are less people who smoke, and your child, if not regularly exposed to cigarette smoke, may also know that it doesn’t smell very nice. Children this age are more and more aware of the fact that smoking is bad for you, but that doesn’t stop them from asking questions when they see someone smoking in the street or elsewhere.
Explain to your child that smoking is dangerous, and particularly so for children, whose brains and bodies are still developing.
If you’re a non smoker, and no one in your family smokes, then it’s easy to tell your child the truth about cigarettes – that they smell bad, that they’re not allowed in most of the place you go, and that they are very very bad for your health. Point out people who are smoking, and non smoking signs in shops and restaurants.
If you are a smoker, telling your child that cigarettes are bad, and leaving it at that, is a little more difficult. After all, why does mummy smoke if it’s bad? Tell your child that you started smoking a long time ago, before you knew it was bad, and that you wish you could stop. Make sure that you only smoke outside your home, and tell your child that this is because smoking is especially bad for little children, and that because you love your child, you want to protect him or her.
Tying cigarettes to other health choices, like eating good food, and dressing warmly when it’s cold is a good way to help your child understand why he or she shouldn’t smoke. You also want to tell your child, even at this age, that it’s okay to say no when someone offers him or her something that is bad for them – whether it’s cigarettes, alcohol or anything else.
Remember that children who try cigarettes are usually those that have low self confidence or self esteem, or those that are rebellious because their parents have a harsh attitude towards rules and discipline. By rather praising your child for making good choices, like not smoking, and by answering questions instead of simply saying ‘because I said so,’ you will enable your child to make healthy choices.
Explain to your child that smoking is dangerous, and particularly so for children, whose brains and bodies are still developing.
If you’re a non smoker, and no one in your family smokes, then it’s easy to tell your child the truth about cigarettes – that they smell bad, that they’re not allowed in most of the place you go, and that they are very very bad for your health. Point out people who are smoking, and non smoking signs in shops and restaurants.
If you are a smoker, telling your child that cigarettes are bad, and leaving it at that, is a little more difficult. After all, why does mummy smoke if it’s bad? Tell your child that you started smoking a long time ago, before you knew it was bad, and that you wish you could stop. Make sure that you only smoke outside your home, and tell your child that this is because smoking is especially bad for little children, and that because you love your child, you want to protect him or her.
Tying cigarettes to other health choices, like eating good food, and dressing warmly when it’s cold is a good way to help your child understand why he or she shouldn’t smoke. You also want to tell your child, even at this age, that it’s okay to say no when someone offers him or her something that is bad for them – whether it’s cigarettes, alcohol or anything else.
Remember that children who try cigarettes are usually those that have low self confidence or self esteem, or those that are rebellious because their parents have a harsh attitude towards rules and discipline. By rather praising your child for making good choices, like not smoking, and by answering questions instead of simply saying ‘because I said so,’ you will enable your child to make healthy choices.
