How to Help Your Teen Stop Vaping
Do you think your kid will never use an electronic cigarette (e-cig) or vape? Well, think again. According to a study, 23.5 percent of teens age 15 to 19 vape.
What Should You Do If Your Kid is Vaping?
If you’re convinced that vaping is potentially dangerous and has worrisome side effects, don’t worry. If your kid is vaping, you can make them quit. Here are some steps you can take to help manage the difficult talk you’ll need to have with your teen about getting them to stop vaping.
Set a Good Example
Set a good example. You’re a powerful influence on your teen. They may interpret your actions as an endorsement of their behaviour. If you vape with your teen, it’s time to stop. If you don’t vape with them, but use e-cigs in front of your teen, in your house or car, explain why you’re unhappy with your own vaping or smoking habit.
Start Talking to Your Teen
Let your teen know how much you want to them to quit vaping. This is an important message for your teen to hear. Keep in mind that threats and ultimatums rarely work. Instead of being angry, talk to your teen and ask why they’re vaping. Maybe your teen needs attention or is trying to fit in with their peers.
Encourage Your Teen To Share Their Concerns
Don’t lecture your teen about the dangers of vaping. Instead, ask them to list the negative parts of e-smoking. You should also make a list and list things that appeal to your teen’s need to fit in and their vanity. Here are some things you should include on your list.
Bad breath
- Vaping makes you tire quickly, making sports and activities difficult
- You’re seen as less sociable
- Short breath and persistent cough
- Vaping isn’t free. Calculate the cost of vaping, then compare the amount to something your teen wants to buy.
Help Your Teen Create a Plan
Many teens who vape, believe they can stop any time they want. For most teens, this is not true. Ask your teen about the strategies they’re considered and offer some suggestions, including:
- Give a Reason: Make them list the reasons they want to stop.
- Set a Date: Help your teen choose a specific date to stop vaping.
- Find Friends Who Don’t Vape: If they started vaping because of peer pressure, encourage them to spend time with friends who don’t vape.
- Practice Saying No.
- Prepare for Cravings: Your teen needs to learn to resist any urges for a few minutes, so their cravings will pass.
If your teen slips up, while trying to quit, remain supportive. Congratulate your teen on their progress. Celebrate their successes. Offer a party, a new shirt, or their favourite meal as positive reinforcement. This will help your teen stay motivated, which will help them stop vaping for good.
