Vaping nicotine or marijuana can cause long-lasting health problems for your child. So, it's important to talk with your young or teenage children about the potential dangers of vaping.
Here are some helpful tips:
- Know the facts. Be ready to answer questions your teen may have. Ask for help from your health care provider on how to talk to your teen or have your teen talk to a trusted adult.
- Have a natural discussion. Ask your teen what they think about vaping in a TV show, movie, or ad or about someone you both see vaping. Then see where the conversation goes.
- Be a good listener. Have open conversations about drug, alcohol, and tobacco/nicotine use. Talk with your teen often, but try not to lecture. Focus on how much you care about their health. Explain the potential harmful effects of tobacco/nicotine, marijuana, and vaping chemicals on the brain and lungs.
- Set clear family rules and expectations. For instance, try to establish real consequences for breaking drug and alcohol rules.
- Get to know your teen's friends and their parents. Help your teen deal with peer pressure to use vapes. Monitor and supervise your teen's activities. Talk with other parents to make sure you are on the same page about rules.
- Lead by example. If you vape or smoke traditional cigarettes, try to quit.
