The news that a child smokes only causes negative emotions. However, do not follow their lead. It is better to calm down for a couple of days, and only then start taking action. The main thing in this matter is not to show authoritarianism.
First, you should find the right moment for the conversation. You should have calmed down enough, and the child should be inclined to talk. For example, you can do this while walking together or after watching a family movie. Do not start a conversation with threats, raised voices, or any other form of aggression.
Causes and harm to health
You must show your child that you are very concerned and really want to help him. First, you need to find out the reason why the child started smoking. Invite your child to explain on their own why they are doing this. Answers like “I don’t know” or “just like that” are not accepted. Ask your child to share everything they know about the dangers of cigarettes.
Explain to him that no matter how strong the reason, smoking is not worth it. The long-term consequences are far greater than he might imagine. Tell him real-life examples of how people died from this habit. You can also focus on communicating with the opposite sex - few people like to talk to a person who breathes nicotine.
If you smoke yourself, then your words may not hook the child. Personal example is incredibly important in the process of raising children. However, there are tricks that will help in this case. For example, you can invite him to quit together. In this case, everyone will benefit. You can also talk about negative consequences through your own experience. For example, that you have trouble breathing or that you are spending too much money.
Personal example
Be sure to let your child know that you are not going to scold or scold him in any way. Show that you are really very worried about what happened. However, you cannot just remain indifferent, but you will not allow yourself to squeeze his opinion. This really helps, as the child will begin to feel that you are not trying to influence him in any way.
Show by example that living a healthy lifestyle is great. If your child enjoys rollerblading, go with him. If he prefers basketball, then go drop the ball into the basket one night.
Another case is a simple suspicion that the child has started smoking (for example, a smell appeared on clothes and hair). In this case, it is worth arranging an explanatory conversation earlier. It is easier to get rid of this bad habit when it just started to appear.
It is best to emphasize that a strong personality will never succumb to the influence of any bad habit.
The formed person is much stronger than this. If a child wants to become a real man (or a real woman), then he definitely needs to get rid of it.
