Even if everything goes well, over time there will be new curiosities, product developments and research findings. Talk to your kid about any larger concerns or pressures they may be feeling. Explain how vaping can prevent them from achieving their future goals. Ask them open-ended questions rather than yes or no questions. This will help them open up, be engaged and be less defensive.
Parenting: Difficult Conversations
Remember, they may be feeling embarrassed about getting caught, or scared about the consequences of their choices. Or maybe they’re angry about being asked to give up something that they enjoy—something that makes them feel good. Make room for their feelings and let them know it’s okay—whatever they’re feeling is just part of the process. Teenagers want to feel a sense of control over their own bodies; this is important to respect.
Top Health Categories
But having these conversations is essential, even if they feel awkward or difficult. This conversation guide is a perfect tool to share with my children about the dangers of vaping. The facts and questions are presented in an easy way to understand. Consider rehearsing or role playing to give your kid the social tools to refuse tobacco products.
Youth Documentary Academy World Premiere of New Films
Imagine the obstacles, pressures and social environment before you address your concerns. If parents do find something, they which of the following is a type of indirect peer pressure? can be supportive by asking how they can help, Dr. Camenga says. Parents may want to keep an eye out for vaping devices, which may be anything from pen-like sticks to Juuls that look like USB devices. Be aware that the designs are getting more disguised—some even look like a watch. Not only can nicotine cause physical changes in the brain, leading to difficulty concentrating, these changes can be permanent. Parents can look up resources through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Office of the U.S.
How to quit vaping
- Leaning into positive reinforcement may feel counter-intuitive; we typically learn to punish behaviors we don’t want to see in our children.
- As part of your conversation, it’s essential to set expectations – such as, you want them to quit, but you’re here to help – while also letting them know that you’re on their side should they slip up.
- Make room for their feelings and let them know it’s okay—whatever they’re feeling is just part of the process.
- Childhood trauma can also lead to distrust of health-care professionals.
- Vaping has led to a dramatic rise in nicotine and marijuana use among young people in recent years.
Use tips in this guide and our Get The Facts page to help as you prepare. Asking your child about vaping when it is already top of the mind gives you a non-confrontational way to learn about your child’s awareness, interest and involvement without defensiveness. An open conversation will disarm the notion that this is a lecture. It will also provide a relaxed environment to discuss ideas without making them feel like they are being blamed or in trouble. Kids may pick up on your tone and tune out or react defensively.
Under the influence: NIH research shows teen vaping, social pressure on the rise
Nicotine is highly addictive and can cause problems in the brain development of adolescents. They are very similar to our public health interventions to decrease tobacco use. Policies restricting access are key to decreasing e-cigarette use in young populations.
