An informed parent is a prevention method.

The most important prevention tool to keep your child from using tobacco products or other harmful substances is to talk to him/her early and often! Natural conversations about tobacco use and other topics should be happening as early as preschool.

Tips for Parents

• Make your values and beliefs around tobacco use clear.
• Be sensitive to the stage of development your child is experiencing and talk to him/her from that perspective.
• Explain yourself and give examples to your child to establish a level of respect for his/her competence.
• Have high expectations for your child's behavior.
• Let your child know that smoking is not common. In fact, 8 out of 10 Vermont teens choose not to smoke!
• Share the affects of tobacco on his/her health including physical and mental performances. Remember, adolescents and brain development occurs to age 25.
• Talk to your child about what his/her friends are doing and reinforce your family values and beliefs around tobacco use--and not just cigarettes, but all tobacco products.
• If you or a live-in family member smokes, do not leave cigarettes around the house--the easier the access to tobacco products, the more tempting it is to try.
• Allow your child to be resistant in conversation--rebellion is a part of growing up and establishing independence.
• Talk, talk, talk, ask questions, and work together to solve problems and develop healthy and acceptable solutions that match your family values and beliefs.

Inform yourself, inform your child, stay consistent, reinforce healthy messages, talk early, talk often, and have confidence in your child to make good decisions with your guidance.