select a video to download
For more information please select a video below.
If you’re having trouble getting started, try talking to your kid while you’re engaged in another activity. Look for good conversation openings, and make the conversation seem as unintimidating as possible. Here are some suggestions:
While Driving--Take advantage of the time you have with your kid when you’re in the car together. You’ll have a captive audience, and your kid may not feel the pressure of a more formal discussion.
While Watching TV--If you and your kid are watching TV or a movie together, look out for scenes where smoking takes place. If you see actors or actresses smoking, take a few minutes to talk with your kid about their use of tobacco. Or if you see a news story on smoking, discuss the story with your kid.
At the Dinner Table--Talk with your kid over dinner to find out what’s going on in his or her life. Break the eat-and-run pattern by making dinner a time when you and your kid can discuss important issues like tobacco use.
At a Sporting Event--You can be an important influence on your kid, and so can role models such as athletes. Point out athletes and others your kid can look up to, and let your kid know they wouldn’t be where they are today if they used tobacco.
While Out and About--One-on-one time with your kid gives you a chance to talk about tobacco. When you open the lines of communication, your kid may feel more comfortable turning to you with questions.
- Friends Who Smoke - kids with three or more friends who smoke are ten times more likely to smoke than kids whose friends don’t smoke. Make it a point to know who your kid’s friends are.
- Gum and Mints - kids sometimes use gum, mints, or mouthwash to cover up the smell of smoke on their breath. Kids who smoke may also brush their teeth more than usual.
- Matches and Lighters - kids who keep matches or lighters in their backpacks or bedrooms may be smoking. Matches and lighters are good indicators of cigarette use, even if you don’t find the cigarettes themselves.
- Smell of Smoke - if you smell smoke in your kid’s hair or on your kid’s clothes, there’s a good chance your kid is smoking. If not, your kid is probably hanging out with others who smoke, making it more likely your kid will start.
- Excuses to Go Outside - if you notice your kid making excuses to leave the house for no apparent reason, pay attention. It’s possible your kid is going outside to smoke.
- Perfume or Cologne - kids often try to mask the smell of smoke by using perfume or cologne.
- Febreze™ or Air Freshener - if your kid is using Febreze™ or air freshener on their clothing, in their car, or in their bedroom, your kid may be trying to cover up the smell of smoke.
