Question:
Hello, my 13 year old daughter is smoking, she has stolen cigarettes from my husband and we have caught her with them several times. I am not sure what to do about this situation. I know that almost all teens will try smoking, but she is being so bold about it. Any suggestions??Answer:
ParentingTeensOnline expert, Stephen Wallace, fields questions about drugs and alcohol. Stephen Wallace is the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), and has served as school psychologist, camp director, and college professor. You can read more about him on SADD's site. Stephen answers:
There are several concurrent issues here. One is that your daughter is smoking, the second is that she is stealing, and the third is that she is continuing her behavior despite you interventions. Of course, you should continue to discipline her for breaking the rules. You might also consider keeping your cigarettes under lock and key, such as in the car or in a locked cabinet or closet. Limiting her access might help, although it is likely she could find another way to obtain tobacco. Finally, it is often helpful to focus on the risks associated with smoking. Here are some from SADD:
Tobacco affects your health, in both the short and long terms.
- Adolescents who smoke are at risk because the 200 known poisons in cigarette smoke can affect normal development. Smoking can also lead to life-threatening diseases, such as chronic bronchitis, heart disease, and stroke.
- Smoking is the most common cause of lung cancer. Smoking is also the leading cause of cancer of the mouth, throat, bladder, pancreas, and kidneys.
- Smoking tobacco causes shortness of breath and dizziness; chewing tobacco causes dehydration.
- Smoking causes poor circulation, which can lead to cold hands and feet and serious conditions such as blood clots and/or strokes.
- More than 400,000 Americans die from tobacco-related causes each year. Most victims began using tobacco before the age of 18.
Tobacco can affect your appearance.
- Smoking can dry out your skin and cause wrinkles.
- Smoking can discolor your teeth, giving them a yellow or brownish appearance.
- There is some research that relates smoking to premature gray hair and hair loss.