No parent wants their children to smoke. But once kids take up the habit, it can be difficult to quit smoking . But parents need to take quick action before it becomes too difficult for their kids to quit this habit.

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Here are some tips to help your teen quit smoking

Be Patient with the Process

Quitting smoking is not easy even in the early stages of addiction. So, keep your wits about you when you first become aware of your teen’s smoking problem. Parents need to help teenagers keep their temperaments and relationships. Don’t expect your child to suddenly listen to you about quitting smoking. First, think clearly how you want to handle the situation before you barrage your teen with lectures, facts and worst of all your anger and disappointment. These measures won’t work. What will work is a step-by-step process in reaching out to your teen, understanding how the habit began and what will it take to help your kid quit it.

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Communicate; Not Reprimand

When it comes to teens, reprimands seldom work. Talk to your teens about benefits of quitting smoking. Gently explain to your teen about health problems associated with smoking. They need to know what happens to their lungs after quitting smoking and how to reverse the damage. If they are ready to quit smoking; you also need to tell them about what they can expect. Tell your child about withdrawal symptoms of smoking. They also need to know that you are going to be with them through this process. Even if your teen remains sullen and quiet during this conversation; they will appreciate the support even when they don’t acknowledge it.

Plan the Quitting Process

Your child has to comply with this process. Begin by reducing the number of cigarettes your child smokes in a day. If your teen’s addiction is very advanced, quitting smoking all at once can cause really bad withdrawal symptoms . If your child is ready to quit at once, tell them that withdrawal symptoms last for just a few days. Either way, keep nicotine patches and gum handy in case they need it to get over the nicotine craving. Help divert their attention from the smoking and withdrawal symptoms through fun activities. Play video games together, watch a movie or go on a hike.

Set up some boundaries

Begin by becoming very strict about smoking in the house. Don’t allow anyone; even adults to smoke inside the house. Cut your child’s allowance if they refuse to quit and enforce a curfew or a few restrictions on your teen’s social life. Don’t hesitate to check their school bags, wardrobes, bathroom and the rooms for hidden cigarettes. Lastly, if you smoke, try quitting the habit. Tell your kids about the health repercussions of smoking you have experienced and let that be a lesson for them.

Seek Expert Help

Finally, don’t hesitate to ask for help from registered counselors or therapists . If your teen smokes as an act of rebellion or to suppress emotions; counseling from a therapist may offer them an outlet to understand the effects of their action. At times teens may not listen to their parents but pay attention to strangers especially in a controlled setting like therapy.

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Make sure, you support your child in every possible way during the withdrawal process.

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