Above all, examine your own use of substances and what kind of model you are to children. There are other ways you can help your child to avoid cigarettes, alcohol, and other drugs. An important step is to remind your child of the dangers of tobacco use. Smokers are ten times more likely to die from lung cancer than nonsmokers. Cigarettes double the risk of heart disease.
Cigarettes are the most common cause of lung diseases like chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Even though these serious diseases may take years to develop, tell your youngsters that the earlier they start smoking, the greater their chance of developing these conditions. Smokers who start before age 15 have cancer rates 19 times higher than nonsmokers. Most children find it hard to think about or understand health problems they might have in the future. So, remind your child of the more immediate effects of smoking. High school coaches now routinely demand that their young athletes do not smoke.