Smoking In Secret - Helping Your Child To Quit

Smoking is a habit that many adults have trouble breaking. Imagine how hard it must be for a child or teen to quit smoking! Although children are warned early on about the negative health consequences of smoking, the sad truth is that many children and teens continue to pick up a pack of cigarettes and smoke. Many of them hide their habit from their families so that they will not get in trouble.

If you suspect that your child smokes in secret, it is important that you confront them immediately to help the quit smoking. Then, you will be able to give them the support they will need in order to successfully kick the habit.

S.O.S. Signs Of Smoking

It can be difficult to identify whether your child is a smoker or not, especially if they try to hide it from you. However, there are several warning signs that make it fairly clear that smoking is a possibility. If your child's clothes or hair smell like smoke, that is one clear indication. Additionally, the smell of their breath and the appearance of their teeth can be another clear sign.

Other signs that your child is a smoker are less obvious. If former athletes now get out of breath easily, or if they have a persisting cough or sore throat, these can be signs that they smoke in secret. Once you have identified that your child smokes, then you should confront them as soon as possible.

A Helping Hand

It is very difficult for anyone to quit smoking, but teenagers and children can have an especially hard time with it. It is important that, as a parent, you provide as much support as they need while they are trying to quit smoking.

You can help your child by working with them to set goals and limits. Pick a date for them to quit smoking, and hold them accountable to it. Work with them to make a list of reasons why they want to quit, and remind them of it whenever they are having a hard time.

Many side effects can occur when people quit smoking. These are all symptoms of withdrawal. Weight gain, irritability, hunger, headaches, and increased coughing are common occurrences. Nicotine-replacement products can be helpful; however, before you give your child such a product, you should consult with his or her doctor.

A Major Accomplishment

If your child can manage to quit smoking, it will be a major accomplishment that they should be very proud of. While your first instinct upon discovering that your child smokes might be to be angry or punish them, you should consider what is best for them. What they really need is your unconditional love and support.

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