Health Tip: When Your Teen Wants to Light Up

Suggestions to help change her mind

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(HealthDay News) -- Many teens may be tempted to try smoking to fit in or look older, even if they understand the health ramifications.

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Here are suggestions to ward your child away from cigarettes, courtesy of the Nemours Foundation:

• Make your child feel more self-confident by focusing on things she does right, rather than just pointing out what she's done wrong.
• Get your child involved in sports that have strict rules against smoking.
• Begin talking to your child at a very young age about the dangers of smoking.
• Let her talk to you openly about smoking, without punishing or judging her.
• Make strict rules in your household about not smoking or bringing any tobacco product into the home.

-- Diana Kohnle