http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/ Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:45:13 -0500 MyBB http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=26 Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:38:07 -0500 http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=26 http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=25 Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:15:34 -0500 http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=25
Thanks so much for your input!]]>
Thanks so much for your input!]]> http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=24 Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:44:40 -0400 http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=24
They know the rule is no smoking at our house, and my son explained that that was why they were on the porch.

I hate putting my son in the role of 'policeman' with his buddies when at our house, but I feel like they broke the rules, inside or outside. Anyone have advice on how to handle other people's kids when they visit? Would I be crossing the line to reprimand someone else's child?]]>
They know the rule is no smoking at our house, and my son explained that that was why they were on the porch.

I hate putting my son in the role of 'policeman' with his buddies when at our house, but I feel like they broke the rules, inside or outside. Anyone have advice on how to handle other people's kids when they visit? Would I be crossing the line to reprimand someone else's child?]]> http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=23 Tue, 07 Oct 2008 05:05:34 -0400 http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=23 Any help will be really helpful. Thanks a lot in advance!!!]]> Any help will be really helpful. Thanks a lot in advance!!!]]> http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=22 Sat, 27 Sep 2008 07:00:40 -0400 http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=22 http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=21 Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:08:05 -0400 http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=21 http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=16 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:48:28 -0400 http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=16
I have two daughters, Sasha 8, and Susie 7. I'm having some issues with my babysitter and I was hoping someone could help me out. I didn't realize that my sitter was a smoker until I saw a pack of cigarettes in her open pocketbook. I would assume that she doesn't smoke around them (she's very very close with both the girls) but I plan to ask her not to just in case. However, I really don't even want my girls to see the box of cigarettes. Like I said they are very close to our sitter and look up to her. She's a "Big Girl". I'm worried that they will think it's cool b/c she smokes. But I don't want to push the employer boundaries by asking her not to even bring them with her. Any ideas?]]>
I have two daughters, Sasha 8, and Susie 7. I'm having some issues with my babysitter and I was hoping someone could help me out. I didn't realize that my sitter was a smoker until I saw a pack of cigarettes in her open pocketbook. I would assume that she doesn't smoke around them (she's very very close with both the girls) but I plan to ask her not to just in case. However, I really don't even want my girls to see the box of cigarettes. Like I said they are very close to our sitter and look up to her. She's a "Big Girl". I'm worried that they will think it's cool b/c she smokes. But I don't want to push the employer boundaries by asking her not to even bring them with her. Any ideas?]]> http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=15 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:11:59 -0400 http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=15 I have three kids, one of whom is a step child. My little boy is only 11 and Matt (my husbands son from a first marriage) is 16. I found Cigarettes in Matt's car one day and he told me they belonged to a friend (sure...) Matt doesn't live with us but he does stay with us a lot and is pretty close to Louie (my son). I'm just worried about whether or not he's smoking in front of Louie, or if Louie saw the cigarettes. What should I say to him? Should I tell my husband that Matt might be smoking? Would that betray a confidence (especially if he was telling the truth and I got him in trouble for no reason). I don't want either of them to start smoking. What should I do?]]> I have three kids, one of whom is a step child. My little boy is only 11 and Matt (my husbands son from a first marriage) is 16. I found Cigarettes in Matt's car one day and he told me they belonged to a friend (sure...) Matt doesn't live with us but he does stay with us a lot and is pretty close to Louie (my son). I'm just worried about whether or not he's smoking in front of Louie, or if Louie saw the cigarettes. What should I say to him? Should I tell my husband that Matt might be smoking? Would that betray a confidence (especially if he was telling the truth and I got him in trouble for no reason). I don't want either of them to start smoking. What should I do?]]> http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=14 Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:07:30 -0400 http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=14
In fact, they often show disapproval at my own smoking, and I have felt good that the seed was firmly planted in all three of my kids not to smoke. So I was feeling absolutely terrible to discover cigarette smoke in my twelve year old son's room.

I took my son aside for what I expected to be a serious sit-down conversation. But as it turned out, he wasn't experimenting with smoking, he was playing with fire! He wasn't using my cigarettes and lighter to see what smoking was like, he was using it to burn things, and indulge in some good old fashioned tweener pyromania. It seems every child, especially boys, goes through a period of fascination with fire.

Not that playing with fire is something to be glad about, but you can imagine my relief. It was gratifying to see that the 'no-smoking' message with deeply ingrained with my son. He hates cigarettes. The conversation ended by HIM reminding ME not to smoke!

Even parents who struggle with smoking themselves can get the message across.]]>
In fact, they often show disapproval at my own smoking, and I have felt good that the seed was firmly planted in all three of my kids not to smoke. So I was feeling absolutely terrible to discover cigarette smoke in my twelve year old son's room.

I took my son aside for what I expected to be a serious sit-down conversation. But as it turned out, he wasn't experimenting with smoking, he was playing with fire! He wasn't using my cigarettes and lighter to see what smoking was like, he was using it to burn things, and indulge in some good old fashioned tweener pyromania. It seems every child, especially boys, goes through a period of fascination with fire.

Not that playing with fire is something to be glad about, but you can imagine my relief. It was gratifying to see that the 'no-smoking' message with deeply ingrained with my son. He hates cigarettes. The conversation ended by HIM reminding ME not to smoke!

Even parents who struggle with smoking themselves can get the message across.]]> http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=13 Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:20:21 -0400 http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=13 http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=12 Mon, 12 May 2008 21:12:03 -0400 http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=12 http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=10 Wed, 23 Apr 2008 02:16:41 -0400 http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=10 http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=9 Tue, 22 Apr 2008 08:08:05 -0400 http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=9 http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=8 Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:31:53 -0400 http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=8 http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=7 Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:25:49 -0400 http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=7 http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=6 Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:21:27 -0400 http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=6 http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=5 Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:52:39 -0400 http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=5
This is most pronounced when I fire up my semi-annual cigar -- usually on a weekend evening, in the yard. It isn't long until he comes along with a broken twig and starts "pretending" to smoke as well.

I take those opportunities to tell him that what I am doing is for adults, and that he shouldn't even pretend to do it. He usually complies...but I wonder -- am I taking the right tack with him? Just a question.]]>
This is most pronounced when I fire up my semi-annual cigar -- usually on a weekend evening, in the yard. It isn't long until he comes along with a broken twig and starts "pretending" to smoke as well.

I take those opportunities to tell him that what I am doing is for adults, and that he shouldn't even pretend to do it. He usually complies...but I wonder -- am I taking the right tack with him? Just a question.]]> http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=4 Fri, 28 Mar 2008 11:26:52 -0500 http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=4 One thing we have learned from science is that about a third of all people have the traits and brain chemistry to become easily addicted.

In my book “Getting Through to Your Kids” I quote a study from the University of Michigan which found that almost everyone who tries cigarettes does not like the taste the first time. However, what seems to separate those that become heavy smokers is the “buzz” or pleasant “high” that they got from the experience. Of those who experimented a few times and never smoked again, only about 25 percent of them got any kind of high from the experience. Of those who smoked for a while, then quit, about half recalled their first experience well. But of the heavy users, 78 percent remembered getting a good buzz from their first puffs. This exemplifies how some people have brain chemistry that makes them more easily hooked on nicotine than others.

We have also realized that kids with certain personality traits are more likely to have the brain chemistry that is correlated with rapid addiction. These kids are extroverted, rebellious, sexually precocious, bluntly honest, impulsive, social, sensation seekers. They are the “cool kids” and are more easily addicted to nicotine. Because other kids want to be cool like them, they often try smoking too. Depending on their own genetic makeup, this copycat behavior may or may not lead to smoking addiction.

Because certain people are prone to nicotine addiction, it is important for them to never even try one cigarette. When talking to your children give them the facts about how easily some people become addicted and how difficult it is to give up an addiction. These powerful messages can help influence his decision not to smoke.]]> One thing we have learned from science is that about a third of all people have the traits and brain chemistry to become easily addicted.

In my book “Getting Through to Your Kids” I quote a study from the University of Michigan which found that almost everyone who tries cigarettes does not like the taste the first time. However, what seems to separate those that become heavy smokers is the “buzz” or pleasant “high” that they got from the experience. Of those who experimented a few times and never smoked again, only about 25 percent of them got any kind of high from the experience. Of those who smoked for a while, then quit, about half recalled their first experience well. But of the heavy users, 78 percent remembered getting a good buzz from their first puffs. This exemplifies how some people have brain chemistry that makes them more easily hooked on nicotine than others.

We have also realized that kids with certain personality traits are more likely to have the brain chemistry that is correlated with rapid addiction. These kids are extroverted, rebellious, sexually precocious, bluntly honest, impulsive, social, sensation seekers. They are the “cool kids” and are more easily addicted to nicotine. Because other kids want to be cool like them, they often try smoking too. Depending on their own genetic makeup, this copycat behavior may or may not lead to smoking addiction.

Because certain people are prone to nicotine addiction, it is important for them to never even try one cigarette. When talking to your children give them the facts about how easily some people become addicted and how difficult it is to give up an addiction. These powerful messages can help influence his decision not to smoke.]]> http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=3 Fri, 28 Mar 2008 11:21:30 -0500 http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=3
So, as a parent, how do you turn this “cool” image around and teach your children that smoking is one of the least cool things they could do? Talking to your kids, early and often, is your best weapon.

When you and your children are together and see an actor smoking on screen, use the opportunity to start a discussion. Ask your children what they think about the actor that always has a cigarette dangling from his lips. Let them know that, even though Hollywood can portray smokers as cool, most people do not think that is actually the case.

Remind them of all the un-cool things attached to smoking. Cancer, lung disease, bad breath and yellow teeth have never been considered cool. This dialog will hopefully open your child’s eyes to the difference between what they see on television or in the movies and what is real.

You can also take other steps to instill the message that it’s cool not to smoke. Massive media and educational campaigns teaching the pitfalls of smoking can help. If you see an ad in a magazine that makes smoking look disgusting, cut it out and give it to your teen. Talk to her about the messages of the ad, without lecturing. If you are watching TV together and a smoking prevention commercial comes on, take time to talk about it later.

Finally, many cool teen celebrities are helping by developing antismoking websites. Help your child find these sites and look at them together. Remember, kids want to be like the kids they think are cool. So, if the cool kids think smoking is stupid, it’s a positive influence.]]>
So, as a parent, how do you turn this “cool” image around and teach your children that smoking is one of the least cool things they could do? Talking to your kids, early and often, is your best weapon.

When you and your children are together and see an actor smoking on screen, use the opportunity to start a discussion. Ask your children what they think about the actor that always has a cigarette dangling from his lips. Let them know that, even though Hollywood can portray smokers as cool, most people do not think that is actually the case.

Remind them of all the un-cool things attached to smoking. Cancer, lung disease, bad breath and yellow teeth have never been considered cool. This dialog will hopefully open your child’s eyes to the difference between what they see on television or in the movies and what is real.

You can also take other steps to instill the message that it’s cool not to smoke. Massive media and educational campaigns teaching the pitfalls of smoking can help. If you see an ad in a magazine that makes smoking look disgusting, cut it out and give it to your teen. Talk to her about the messages of the ad, without lecturing. If you are watching TV together and a smoking prevention commercial comes on, take time to talk about it later.

Finally, many cool teen celebrities are helping by developing antismoking websites. Help your child find these sites and look at them together. Remember, kids want to be like the kids they think are cool. So, if the cool kids think smoking is stupid, it’s a positive influence.]]> http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=2 Fri, 28 Mar 2008 11:06:47 -0500 http://forum.realparentsrealanswers.com/showthread.php?tid=2
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Signatures may contain images, but may not be any larger than 300x100. If your signature is larger than the allotted size given or deemed unacceptable by staff, you will be requested by a moderator to resize or change your image. Please also try and keep text signatures under 5 lines. Failing to comply with a moderator's request will result in the removal of your signature.

Advertising, commercial-related or competing products are all forbidden in any relation to your account except by explicit permission

Remember to post in the correct forum. Take your time to look at other topics and see where your topic should go. If your topic is placed in the wrong forum, it will be moved by a moderator.

If a topic is recognized as being posted in the wrong forum, or if the post is a violation of our guidelines then please contact a moderator either via PM or the 'report post to moderator' feature; please do not respond publicly to the member - a member of staff will do what is required upon contact.

Any impersonation of a user within these forums, in any mode of communication, is strictly prohibited and will result in a banning.

Linked and locked topics may be pruned regularly to reduce page clutter. If you have a question about where your topic went, please PM a Moderator or Administrator before starting a new topic asking where it went, or posting a duplicate of the original topic. We will be happy to provide you with a link to the new location, or a reason why it was locked and/or removed.

If you are linking to external content, you should link directly to that content. It is unacceptable to use link-thru systems to mask the originating URL, and cases where this is found to be happening may be edited or removed as appropriate.]]>