Talking to your teens about smoking

• Try to gauge their opinion by using prompts such as the soap story lines – you may be surprised at their take on smoking - take the opportunity to give them your honest opinion.

• Gem up on the facts and talk openly about what you see as the health risks of smoking. Don’t let a chat end up being a lecture as your teen is likely to tune out. If you feel as if you are doing all the talking, ask questions and show that you are interested in their opinions.

• If you suspect your child is or has tried smoking, don’t expect a confrontational question to result in your child being honest or open with you. Ensure you stay calm, be open and let them know they can talk to you without you flying off the handle.

• Remember your own behaviour will influence them. If you smoke it is best to be open and honest rather than try the ‘do as I say not as I do’.

• Some parents find that talking about the health risks is enough to put their teens off – there is lots of information out there to help you.

• Some parents tell us that they have to look for a different angle e.g. “I knew my daughters Achilles heel was not health but vanity. We talked about the damage smoking does to your complexion and teeth and that seemed to work.”

• Talk to your child about peer pressure, especially when they are in their pre-teens and discuss how they would handle situations that they didn’t feel comfortable with.

• If your teenager smokes and talking through the risks hasn’t had an impact calmly talk to them about what your bottom line is e.g. I don’t want you smoking in my house.