Calling it quits

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Calling it quits

Posted Monday, August 11, 2008

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If your teenager is smoking or chewing tobacco, it will be up to him or her to quit. But you can help. Here's how:

Try and avoid threats and ultimatums. Find out why your child is smoking. Your preteen may want to be accepted by a peer group, or he or she might want your attention. Plus, adolescence alone can be stressful.

Show your interest in a non-threatening way. Ask a few questions and determine why your teen is smoking and what changes can be made in his or her life to help your child stop.

If you smoke, quit. If you did smoke and have already quit, talk to your child about your experience. Personalize the little problems around smoking and the challenge of quitting. Teens and preteens often believe they can quit smoking whenever they want-research shows many teens never do.

Your job: Be supportive. Both you and your teen will need to prepare for the mood swings and crankiness that can come with nicotine withdrawal. Offer your teen the 5 D's to get through the tough times:

* Delay: The craving will eventually go away.
* Deep Breath: Take a few calming deep breaths.
* Drink water: It will flush out the chemicals.
* Do something else: Find a new habit.
* Discuss: Talk about your thoughts and feelings.

Quitting for a day is easy. Quitting for life is a bit tougher. Make a list with your teen or preteen describing why they want to quit. Refer back to this list when your teen is tempted. And remember, it is best to quit cold turkey. Slowly weaning yourself from cigarettes only delays the withdrawal symptoms.

Finally, reward your teen when he or she quits. Plan something special for you to do together. Helping your child quit is one of the best parenting activities you could ever do.