VAPING: Practical Tips & Tools For Parents
How to Start Talking to Your Child about Vaping
Educate yourself on the topic as much as possible. Vaping is being reported even in middle schools and serious health concerns are rapidly increasing. (CDC article)
Don't shy away from the topic. Start by casually asking your child if they have heard of vaping/juuling, what they know about it and if they've seen anything on their campus.
Resist the temptation to interrogate. Share some interesting facts and news you've seen in a conversational way. They will learn about vaping eventually, and you'll want them to receive facts from a reliable source. Role play how they can say “no” if they feel pressured by a friend.
What to Do if You Find out Your Child is Vaping
Avoid lecturing, they may tune you out. Try your best to have a conversation. Information you need to convey might be best in bits and pieces, not all at once. Do not assume it's just a phase that will go away on its own.
Address it calmly and directly (you may have to wait until you're feeling less emotional/angry). They may deny it. Be prepared to bring up specific facts, news reports or evidence.
Be sure they know your love is unconditional and that you're coming from a place of concern for their health, not anger. Be firm but compassionate. Their well-being is what matters.
Be aware that there may be an underlying cause to this behavior (vaping may just be a coping habit).
Ask them what they like about it, get them thinking about the why. Discuss alternative, healthy coping habits.
Help them brainstorm ways they can change their behavior. Would it help to change their company/environment in order to make healthier choices? Explain that you are teaching them how to set healthy boundaries.
It is important they know you do not expect perfection, everyone makes mistakes.
There should be clear consequences that need to be followed-through.
They have to earn your trust back, be sure they know you will be checking their rooms, backpacks, etc.
Consider drug testing (kits available to order online). Requiring a clean test result can be contingent on privileges -especially driving or smartphone/WiFi usage. Do your research, kids are savvy (synthetic urine is easily available).
Talk with other parents, the school, and your healthcare provider to find a good counselor or other resources in your area. (www.truthinitiative.org)
Determine how serious it is based on the substance they're inhaling. All vaping is linked to severe lung issues, and even though there are non-nicotine juices, most do contain ingredients like nicotine or THC.
Keep at it, don’t give up! This may be a journey. Kids (especially teenagers) can be persistent in trying to push boundaries in hopes they will wear you down. Stand firm on your commitment to a substance free home.
