Have You Seen Enough Tobacco? How To Help Your Child Make The Right Choices

This post was sponsored by Tobacco Free New York State as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central.
All opinions expressed in my post are my own. 

I’ve always been fairly confident that my oldest would never be a smoker. Although he’s 7 now, he has been staunchly anti-tobacco for years. (Confession: he used to shake his fist angrily in the backseat when he spotted a smoker in the next car. So embarassing!)  I recently learned that the more kids are exposed to tobacco use and advertising, the more likely they are to become new customers for this unhealthy industry. It reinforced my need to keep revisiting the topic with both of my boys. I also want to spread the word about the ‘Seen Enough Tobacco’ movement from Tobacco Free New York State.

HAVE YOU SEEN ENOUGH TOBACCO?

Keep It Age Appropriate

When I mentioned this topic to my husband, I was very clear that the way we talk about tobacco with our 2 year old would be quite different from how we would speak with our 7 year old. My hubs was a little shocked. He couldn’t understand why we would speak with our youngest about it. The truth is, kids are perceptive from a young age, taking in a lot from their environment. When my toddler sees tobacco product at the store, smells smoke in public, or sees a glowing cigarette, he’s going to have questions. That’s why it’s so important to be sure to meet your child at their age level.

Make It Relatable

Obviously, we don’t want to scare kids too much, or expose them to anything harmful. When discussing the negative effects of tobacco use with children, be sure it’s not too frightening, but be honest. Find ways to relate the symptoms to their own experiences… ‘Remember when we had a campfire, and the smoke made you cough?’ ‘Last time we ran a race, it took some time for us to catch our breath.’ ‘That smoke we smelled outside the restaurant last week was very stinky, wasn’t it?’ They all allow children to catch a glimpse of the sort of effect tobacco use can have on their health, without causing unneeded anxiety, especially in very sensitive kiddos.

Keep The Lines Of Communication Open

When kids are presented with a lot of information on a tough topic at once, they have a tendency to shut down. Children process big thoughts in chunks, taking in as much as they need to at a particular time. They’ll think about that information for a bit, and then come back with questions when they’re ready to hear more. You want them to truly take in what you’re teaching, so be mindful of this trait. It will help you avoid overwhelming your little ones, and boost their retention of this important health information.

Sign The Petition

There average age of a new smoker in New York State (where I live!) is around 13 years old. This is pretty terrifying to me as a mom. The more kids are exposed to tobacco products in retail spaces as well as media, the more likely they are to try this nasty habit. Here in New York State, the Tobacco Free New York State organization is working hard to bring information to the public. They are an invaluable resource, and can help you find the resources you need to talk to your families. I think all parents can agree, our children have seen enough tobacco in public places, and it needs to end. Get involved in this mission by signing the petition! If you’re struggling to stop using tobacco, there’s a help line that can guide you through that process, as well as links to choosing smoke free housing, media, and others.

Be sure to check out this valuable resource, and find ways to get involved.
Connect with Tobacco Free New York State via any of these links:

Web Site / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

Tailor Your Approach

YOU know your kids best, and know how they learn. There are so many ways to approach the topic of smoking and tobacco with them. No method will be one size fits all, so it’s crucial that you choose a learning style that works for your family. Check out this Pinterest board I put together with all sorts of ideas to make the lesson perfect for your child. It has book ideas, worksheets, and hands on projects so you’re sure to find the right option for your family.

Have you and your kids talked about tobacco yet? What tips do you have for a successful chat?