Dr. Michael H. Popkin, Ph.D., answers questions about Youth Smoking Prevention. In addition to the Take10 program, a national advertising program is underway to deliver the message to kids that it's cool not to smoke, and to encourage parents to talk to kids about not smoking.
Kids are sensitive to social pressures.
As they work to find their own identity, they are bound to make mistakes. Show that you understand the pressures kids face, but be firm in your commitment to keep them from smoking. By helping them learn to make the right decisions for themselves, you'll be laying the groundwork for a lifetime of open communication on other tough subjects. You find out your child's friends have tried smoking. Your child's grades begin to suffer or your child doesn't take pride in his work anymore.