Protect Your Child from Tobacco and Secondhand Smoke
Talk to your child… Some things to say include “Smoking hurts people’s health.” “I don’t want you to ever smoke.” “Some adults smoke and it’s hard for them to quit.”
Teach your child… You can teach your child to politely tell someone that they do not want to be around smoke. Reassure them that it is okay to say that smoke bothers them and that they are not allowed to be near it. If all else fails, teach your child that if the smoking person does not respect their right to clean air or if they feel uncomfortable talking to them about it, that they should leave the situation.
Keep your home smoke free… Ask friends and family not to smoke near your child or in your home. No Smoking signs in your home can reinforce this message and give smokers a nonverbal message that smoking is not welcome inside. For frequent or lengthy visits from smokers, ask that they smoke outside away from your child.
Keep your car smoke free… Ask friends and family not to smoke when your child is in the car and do not let your child ride in someone else’s car if they are going to smoke. Politely asking others not to smoke when your child is in the car is okay.
Make sure your child’s daycare, school, and caregivers are tobacco free… When others care for your child, make sure they are tobacco free. Be sure all babysitters, caregivers, and anyone that watches your child knows that you have a smoke free home and car rule and that tobacco is not welcome near your child.
Avoid secondhand smoke in public places… When you can, choose businesses that do not allow smoking. When encountering a smoker, walk as far away from their smoke as possible.
Be a good role model… Your kids look up to you and want to be like you. If you smoke, your children are likely to start smoking too. If you don’t smoke, or you quit, you are telling your children that smoking is not a good choice and they are less likely to start. |
