Smoking and your child: What parents should know

Smoke from cigarettes and other tobacco products can harm children

• If a woman smokes while she is pregnant, her baby is more likely to be born preterm (before 9 months) and weigh less than other babies.

• If children are exposed to cigarette smoke, they are more likely to have asthma, allergies, ear infections and eczema (a skin condition). They are also at risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

• Children exposed to cigarette smoke are more likely to be hospitalized for breathing problems.

Most children start smoking between the ages of 11 and 13 years. Here’s how you can prevent your child from smoking

• Keep your home smoke-free.

• Choose a nonsmoking child care centre.

• Help your child understand the short term effects of smoking: cigarettes smell bad, and they stain teeth, clothes and fingers. They also make it harder to participate in sports.

• Teach your child how cigarette advertisements paint a false picture that smoking is glamorous.

• If your child has not smoked yet, praise her.

• Help your child learn to say “no” to smoking and still feel good about himself.

If you smoke, consider quitting. Your doctor can help

• If you’re not interested in quitting, think about the effects that smoking has had on your family. For example, have you ever suffered from a smoking-related illness?

• If you are interested or thinking about quitting, think about the advantages. Also think about the risks of continuing to smoke.

• When you are ready to quit:

  • – understand your smoking habits – when, where and why you smoke;
  • – learn to recognize what triggers you to smoke;
  • – plan and learn how to cope with these triggers;
  • – plan to reward or coach yourself; and – set a quit date, tell your family and friends about it, and ask for their help.

• If you do quit, you’ll probably experience withdrawal symptoms, especially during the first few days and weeks after quitting. These symptoms include irritability, headaches, appetite changes, constipation, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, dry throat and mouth, and dizziness. The discomfort won’t last; it’s a sign that your body is recovering from the effects of smoking.

• Even after the withdrawal symptoms have passed, you’ll have cravings and temptations. Your doctor can help you develop ways to cope with these situations.

• Remember the many benefits of quitting smoking.

  • – You will live longer than someone your age who smokes.
  • – You will lower your risk of developing cancer, heart disease, stroke and ulcers.
  • – You will protect your family from the dangers of secondhand smoke.
  • – You will have more energy.
  • – You will have beaten a strong addiction and be in control of your life.
  • – You will be a positive role model for your children.
  • – You will save money.

• Ask your doctor about treatments, such as nicotine gum, nicotine patches and Zyban, that are available to help you to quit smoking.

• Several on-line resources are available to help you quit, including:

  • – Canadian Health Network <www.canadian-health-network.ca/1tobacco.html>;
  • – Health Canada Online <www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/tobacco.htm>; and
  • – Quitnet <www.quitnet.org>.