4 Ways To Talk To Your Teenager About Vaping

While a few years back, parents were only worried about their kids becoming smokers, they are now also worried they becoming vapers.

Not so long ago, vaping and e-cigarettes were thought to be the answer to stop/quit smoking. They were seen as a safe and non-toxic way for smokers to get their nicotine fix without combusting tobacco. But now, it seems, some parents see vaping and e-cigarettes as enemies rather than allies.

Ultimately, parents want the best for their kids. For them, both smoking and vaping shouldn't be an option. So, how can parents hold this talk to their teens?

4 Ways To Talk To Your Teenager About Vaping

#1: Stating Just The Facts Won't Do It:

Many parents believe that the best way to talk to their teens about smoking and vaping and why they shouldn't do it is to show them the facts. In their minds, if they show their teens how it can be dangerous behavior, they won't do it. However, teenagers more than often do things they’re not supposed to but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t educate them anyway.

Ultimately, you just need to keep in mind that a serious and boring lecture filled with the latest scientific studies showing the harm (or good) that vaping devices can cause isn't a good idea.

#2: Put Yourself In Their Shoes:

Instead of bombarding them with facts and figures, a far better approach is to put yourself in their shoes.

For example, a better approach is to simply start the talk with a question like “Why do you vape?”, “What’s the attraction?”, or “What do you like about it?”.

Try to find out more about your teen's views about vaping. This will help you structure the conversation better and point them in the direction you want. 

In case they're indifferent or uninterested in vaping, this is one type of conversation. On the other hand, if they show interest in vaping and state that it is a popular activity amongst their peers, then the conversation will be completely different.

#3: Find Out As Much As You Can:

Before you even start this talk with your teen, you need to make sure that you know what you are talking about.

Vaping technology has evolved a lot in the last 10 years. It appeared around 2010 and at that time, devices used to be a lot bigger and difficult to operate.

It's important that you understand the reasons why your ten started vaping or why it is interesting or appealing. Maybe their friends are doing it, maybe they like the technology, maybe they want to feel they are older.  Maybe they just want to try vaping because it is prohibited. We don't need to tell you that this is a huge factor that may come into play. After all, if a teen isn't allowed to do something, he will be more willing to do so.

No matter the reason why they are vaping or considering doing so, you will still need to deal with it. So, before you prohibit it outright, try to understand their reasons.

#4: It’s Not The End Of The World:

As a parent, you want your kids to always follow the rules and behave properly. However, vaping isn't really the end of the world. In some cases, it is just a phase. So, it is way better to measure your response since you may lose your teen's attention.

When it comes to vaping you should consider making some concessions, like admitting that it is not as dangerous as smoking real cigarettes or as experimenting with legal and illegal drugs. But, at the same time, you should also be straight with your kids about the potential dangers of nicotine and how addictive it is, and the fact that a lot is not known about the long-term effects of vaping.