DC has a friend who is 15 and smokes. I want to encourage her to stop this habit now while it still might be easier, without being OMG! LOOSER! YOU SMOKE~!
I've only dealt with this from the other side. (being the smoking teen) I can't think of anything an adult could have said to me at the time that would have gotten me to quit. If I'd had a trusted adult I could talk to about it when I was ready to quit myself, I think I would have quit much earlier with their help. So if you're in a position to be that person, try to make yourself available WITHOUT JUDGEMENT and when the teen is ready support them in quitting.
Your DC may be in a better position to help their friend. I smoked largely because my friends did, and when hanging out with friends who didn't smoke I abstained in their presence. An effective strategy may be to discuss your concern with your DC and encourage them to help their friend. Make sure your DC is well informed about the dangers/health risks of smoking and inhaling second hand smoke.
I tried quitting several times over the 6 years or so that I smoked. What made it "stick" is when I started dated an asthmatic. I wanted to be around him more than I wanted to smoke, so I stopped. Now that we're married I'm pretty darn sure I'll never start again.
I'll just add, that most likely this teen is not smoking for love of the habit. There is something else going on. Depression, trouble at home, peer pressure, something. Finding out and helping with the root cause is likely to be more effective than addressing the smoking directly.
I agree with pp. I think everyone pretty much knows that.smoking isn't good for.you, and you shouldn't do it. It's been shouted from the hilltops quite loudly.
So, maybe say something like, "I know you've started smoking, and just wanted to say I know that being a teenager is a pretty stressful time. It's hard figuring out how to deal with everything. If you ever want to talk, let me know.".
I think people.freak out about kids responding to stress like adults, and that isn't fair. Talk to them like you would a friend, a peer, and.you'll get a lot farther.
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