How to Persuade a Sibling to Quit Smoking

Siblings are known to bicker, but deep down, you and your siblings love each other. You wouldn't want anything bad to happen to one of your siblings such as cancer or emphysema. It is your role as the concerned sibling to help your brother or sister quit smoking.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Tell your sibling what his smoking habit is stealing from him - money, sense of smell and taste, and his health. Be stern with them; tell him his clothing and car smell and that you don't like smelling like that when you are around him.
2. Make your sibling aware of how often she smokes, especially around you and your family. Remind your sibling that second-hand smoke is as hazardous as the first-hand smoke is to her. If either of you have kids, let her know you are concerned for their health as well.
3. Stress to your sibling that you want him to have a long, healthy life. Tell him how much you will miss him when smoking takes him away from you, how many fun memories you will miss sharing with him. should he die as a result of his smoking.
4. Inform your sibling of the financial implications of smoking. You could go on more shopping excursions or enjoy a sisters' weekend if she would just save the money she would normally spend on cigarettes. She also needs to think about the cost of future smoking-related health issues.
5. Find a fun and healthy activity to do together like taking an aerobics class or going on weekly hikes.

Tips & Warnings

• Pick up some pamphlets from the American Cancer Society or your doctor's office to help support you in your talk with your sibling. The pamphlets can either do the talking for you or you can use them as an ice breaker.