Teen Vaping: What Can You Do About It as a Parent?

Vaping has recently hit the headlines in a big way. Young, healthy adults are dying, but despite that, vaping is becoming more and more popular among teens. In the past, vaping has been considered ‘safer’ than cigarette smoking, but recent evidence suggests that is simply not the case.

Here’s what you should do if you catch your child vaping.

Talk to Your Kids

Talking with your child about the dangers of vaping is one thing, but if you catch them doing it, it’s a whole new conversation. As a parent, you should talk to your child about why they want to vape. Is it peer pressure? Do they feel they fit in better if they vape? Have they tried to quit and can’t seem to kick the habit?

It’s important that you listen to your child and understand their reasoning. They should know that you love them and are there to help. If they are vaping to fit in, it’s possible they just need some encouragement and emotional support. If they’ve tried to quit and are having a problem doing so, you can work with them on a plan to ditch vaping for good.

Simply telling them to stop may not do the trick. Be supportive, listen and get them the help they need if necessary.

Addressing the Problem

Treat vaping as a forgivable sin. If your child feels you are judging them unfairly or do not understand, they will not be receptive.

It should, however, be treated as a serious issue. Talk to them like you would a peer as opposed to your child. Discuss the gravity of vaping seriously and approach it with factual information as well as the reasons you personally do not want them to do it.

Your conversation with your child should not be accusatory in nature, rather loving and supportive. Be sure they know that you care about their health and safety, and that you are willing to get them help to quit. If additional help is needed, you’ll want to remain supportive – and reward them with your love and words of affirmation during their journey to stop vaping for good.

If they fall off the wagon, so to speak, maintain a supportive attitude and be on their team during what could be a very difficult time for them.

Grace Wells

Grace Wells grew up in the kind of town where no one locked their doors and parents felt safe letting their kids wander. Things have changed a lot since then. As a mother today, Grace has to worry about so much more than skinned knees and hurt feelings.

Grace believes the best way to keep kids safe is to stay informed. She hopes that her work at Kids Safety 101 makes a difference in children’s lives so that they can grow up as carefree as she did.

Please enable notifications so that you never miss an important update from Kids Safety 101.

See author's posts