Stop Shanghai Expat Kids smoking
While smoking rates are generally dropping world-wide, the prevalence of smoking for young people is increasing, especially in China and Asia. 90% of adult smokers began the habit when they were kids. Every day more than 4,000 kids in the US are becoming regular smokers; in Asia, 50,000 teenagers take up the habit daily. Parents, siblings, friends, and educators need to join together to keep our kids from starting a habit that is harder to quit than cocaine or heroin.
Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the US. Cancers of the lungs, lips, and tongue, gum disease, heart disease, lung disease, an increase in risk of cardiovascular disease are all attributed to cigarette smoking, as are wrinkles, premature aging of the skin, yellowing of the teeth, halitosis, and other vanity related effects. All of these are additive, with risks increasing over time and with less probability of reversing damage as time passes.
Nicotine, the addictive chemical in cigarette tobacco is so potent it has been shown that a person can become addicted within days of their first encounter with it. Nicotine, like cocaine and amphetamines, is an upper, making the habit very hard to break. Teens who smoke also tend to experiment with other drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and heroin more than their non-smoking peers.
What’s a parent to do?
Peer pressure and advertising that emphasizes being cool, mature, and sexy is tough competition for a parent. If you don’t stand up to that competition, it is far too easy for your child to give in and start what they see as a symbol of independence and freedom. It takes an organized and consistent effort to be successful in forming an alliance with your child to escape the smoking habit.
First, talk to your child. No matter what age, it is never too early to impress negative smoking messages upon your child.
o Very young children: start by saying “yucky” when you see someone smoking. These small messages impact a young child’s beliefs.
o 6 – 8: give your child concrete examples and discuss. “You see those teenagers smoking cigarettes? Do you know why smoking is bad for you?”
o 9 – 11: use visuals. Look at messages that show smoking in a negative light and discuss these with your child. Ask whether they feel the message was effective. Discuss peer pressure and different ways to respond if offered a cigarette.
o 12 – 15: someone you know. Ask a friend or relative who is now suffering from the bad health effects and/or struggling with quitting to speak with your child about why it was not worth starting in the first place. This is more effective for older children.
Communicate effectively and listen. Your child might try to start discussions with you but could be afraid of judgment or punishment. Support their opinions and ideas. Have a discussion about what is appealing and unappealing about smoking.
• Don’t lecture.
• Emphasize your child’s positives; strong self-esteem is the best protection against peer pressure.
• Encourage involvement in sports or other activities where smoking would be a hindrance.
If you discover that your child has started smoking, be patient and help your child feel safe to discuss with you openly. Maintain your rules; i.e. no smoking in the house. Get active with your child, start running, hiking, biking, anything that discourages smoking. They will want to be able to keep up with, if not out-pace you. Ask your family doctor for help and a solid quitting plan.
If you yourself smoke, quit. As a parent, your kids see you as their main role model. Children of smokers are many times more likely to become smokers themselves. It’s best to admit your mistake of starting and if you’ve tried, describe how tough it is to quit. Then, show how serious you are by starting your own quitting program and making it successful.
Keeping your children smoke-free is challenging. The payoff, however, is great. It’s an investment in good health and wellness versus sickness and disability. They’re worth it…. and so are you.
