How To Talk To My Child About Vaping?

Vaping has gained popularity with teens, giving them an alternative to smoking cigarettes. While there have been perceived benefits of vaping, there are many more concerns over the habit as well. Truthfully, vaping is not considered a safe habit for teenagers and young adults, especially if they are vaping liquids that contain nicotine or marijuana.

There is more to talking to your child about vaping than just telling them not to do it. Remember, this is a time when they are trying to find and create themselves, and they may feel going against your orders is the “cool thing to do.” It is important to have an actual discussion about the habit.

Discuss the "Benefits" as Advertised

Your teenager may have already assembled a list of the benefits of vaping on their own, based on the commercials and advertising they have seen. Go ahead and bring them up yourself. Let them know that many adults use vaping as a way to prevent or quit smoking, while others may have permission from their doctor to vape with medical marijuana. Remind them that those are personal and medical reasons that may have been discussed with their doctor, and they are not vaping to give themselves a cool image.

Address The Real Concerns

Now is a good time to educate your teen on the risks of vaping at their age. Explain that, even though it's not a cigarette, they are being exposed to the toxins contained in the oil/liquid. Remind them that these toxins are extremely unhealthy for young people and the long term effects are still being studied. You may even want to list the toxins that are in the liquids, including different levels of nicotine available. Finally, if your child suffers from a condition such as asthma, let them know that vaping will make it worse and you are concerned for their health and well-being.

Ask Them Why

During your discussion, ask them why they are interested in vaping in the first place. If it is to simply look cool in front of their friends, this can go back to the major concerns of vaping. However, you may find your teen has another reason, such as stress or anxiety. They may feel vaping can reduce their symptoms, so you want them to find a healthier way to cope with their problems.

Set Realistic Consequences

If you are planning to set consequences for vaping, be sure they are realistic. One idea is taking away a privilege, such as their phone or television, rather than using an extreme consequence as a scare tactic. Remind your teenager that the health consequences are much worse, and once again, help them find a healthier habit to sway their interest from vaping.

Be Prepared

Be prepared for their responses to your warnings against vaping, especially if you smoke or vape yourself. Instead of getting defensive, let them know that you regret smoking in the first place, and you do not wish the risks or guilt on your own child.

The key is to have a calm discussion to educate your teen on the risks and consequences of vaping. If you keep that in mind, they are more than likely going to listen to what you have to say on the subject.