If You Caught Your Child Smoking and You Smoke....
By sunshinedap
@sunshinedap (615)
United States
May 26, 2008 9:44am CST
what would you do? When I was young my mother spanked me and I quit smoking. A year later, she thought I was still smoking (I really wasn't, the spanking worked) Instead of punishing me again, she felt guilty because she smoked, so she gave me a pack of cigarettes and I picked them right back up. Now I have lung problems and have been trying to quit and it is so hard!!
Recently I caught my 16 year old with cigarettes. I do feel guilty, but I refuse to let him think it is ok. For one thing he used to stay on me to quit and has seen my struggle with it, so I know he's old enough to know better. I was just curious to know what others would do in this situation.
2 people like this
4 responses
@skysuccess (8858)
• Singapore
27 May 08
I think there is not much you can do if you do not set the example here. As you already had mentioned how this habit is taking a toll on your health, I think it is about time that you seek out some treatment and professional help to get you out of this situation. Think not for yourself here but your son as well. Health conditions are heredity and I hope you will be able to overcome this habit and get a hold of your son before it is too late.
Let your son be aware what you are going through health wise and let him understand the gravity of this habit. I think that is the least you can do whilst you try to kick the habit before it kicks you.
@sunshinedap (615)
• United States
28 May 08
You are very right. If I never had the motivation before, I do now. I never thought he would smoke BECAUSE of the problems he saw me having and he hated it. But if I never had enough motivation to quit before, I do now. Thanks for your honest answer.
@shawnx718 (24)
• United States
27 May 08
well i don't smoke but i use too but then i quit because i want to be healthy. If i caught my son smoking i would tell him " you want to smoke then go ahead but if you want to be healthy and live your life without health problems then quit " and then hopefully my son will understand but smoking is good sometimes when you have stress.
@sunshinedap (615)
• United States
28 May 08
I'm never gonna be able to tell him that it is ok. That's essentially what my mother told me and I swore I'd never do that. I also understand that I can't watch him 24/7, too. This has been tough, because I lost a lot of trust in my son who is actually a great guy. I'm just trying to keep him that way. Thanks so much for responding! :)
@Phaedra_Scythe (3325)
•
26 May 08
I understand your feelings of guilt, but kids whose parents don't smoke take it up too. I started smoking on and off from the time I was 13 and my parents never did. I also have a friend who's never done it and both her parents are really heavy smokers.
Perhaps you and your kid can try giving up together? If you've really had trouble in the past, have you thought about seeing a hypnotherapist? I've heard they work wonders for people.
1 person likes this
@sunshinedap (615)
• United States
26 May 08
I actually did not give him a choice. He's on restriction for a month, only driving to work, school, and home. But I do believe that an example from me is in order. Thanks for responding and for your great suggestions.
@kezabelle (2974)
•
26 May 08
If I smoked id try and explain to them that ok I do it but that it really is a bad habit maybe do my best to quit and show them a good example that fingers crossed they will follow!
I dont smoke though never have and I hope my children wont either but if they do they will be punished im hoping to bring them up to have a bit more respect for their bodies than to poison it with cr*ap like that
1 person likes this
@sunshinedap (615)
• United States
26 May 08
You are so right that I need to lead by example. Thanks so much.
