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.
