How to Tell Your Mom to Stop Smoking
Smoking cigarettes is a dangerous addiction. It causes health problems not only to the smoker, but also to the people around her in the form of second-hand smoke. Smoking can be the culprit for certain cancers, lung disease, heart disease and often causes death. For a child with a mom who smokes, this can be scary information. You may be scared that your mom could get sick or that you could get sick from her smoking. These are valid fears. Trying to get your mom to quit smoking may sound impossible, but there are some things you can do to make it easier.
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Instructions
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Schedule a talk. Ask your mom if you can schedule a time to have a serious conversation. You don't have to tell her what it's about, as she might become defensive. Knowing that you're concerned about something and proving your maturity by wanting to talk in the appropriate setting could help her take it more seriously. Pick a time when neither of you will be too busy or stressed out. A good time could be after dinner. You both had time to wind down from work and school, but you're not very tired yet.
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Start out calmly. Don't get emotional and hysterical or she may not be open to listening. Tell her that you love her very much and that it worries you sometimes that she might develop health problems. Tell her specifically, "Mom, I want you to quit smoking." It sounds obvious, but if you've never talked about it before, she might not even know that you're concerned.
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Tell her the health risks, but don't dwell on them. Chances are your mom probably already knows most of the damage that she's doing to herself. You don't need to beat it into her. Instead, focus on the positive changes that quitting will bring to her life. She'll save a lot of money, get rid of that nagging cough and get more hugs from you because she won't smell like smoke. She'll also have a lot more energy.
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Tell her how quitting smoking would affect you. Tell your mom that you're concerned about the effects of second-hand smoke and you don't want to get sick. You'll also be a lot more relaxed and less worried about her health.
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Try to get her enthusiastic about quitting. Invent some kind of game where she gets certain rewards for the progress she makes. One of the things she probably wants most is more time with you. For instance, agree to help clean out the garage after she makes it several days without a cigarette. If she makes it a week, take her to that new museum exhibit she wants to see.
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If your mom is not interested in trying to quit, ask that she doesn't smoke in the house or the car anymore. Don't get angry, but tell her that the smoke bothers you and that it would be helpful to you if she smokes outside. Studies show that limiting the places where a person can smoke makes her more likely to quit altogether eventually.
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Tips & Warnings
If your conversation is unsuccessful, don't give up. Every few months, have the conversation again. However, don't nag. If you're asking all the time, your mom will probably become annoyed and less receptive.
