Families For Life | What should I do if I catch my child vaping?
Finding out that your child may be vaping can be worrying and difficult to process. You might feel disappointed, confused, or even anxious about what it means. These feelings are valid. Approaching the situation calmly can help you better understand what led them to vape and how you can support them in making healthier choices.
Here’s what you should do once you’re ready to broach the subject.
1. Discuss it with your spouse
It’s always good to show a unified front. There’s no room for a ‘good cop, bad cop’ approach when addressing a serious issue like this. Talk to your spouse about your child’s involvement with vaping and plan to talk to your child together.
2. Stay calm
Approach the topic gently, starting with simple questions such as, ‘What have you been up to lately?’. Try to avoid scolding or lecturing your child, as this will only push them away and shut down the conversation. Beginning the conversation with a soft approach helps your child gradually open up and feel comfortable talking to you.
3. Understand their motivations
Encourage your child to reflect by using guiding questions that help them think about why and how they started vaping. Here are some examples:
Help me understand how you got involved in vaping.
What situations make you want to vape the most?
What do you enjoy about it? And what do you not enjoy?
Listen carefully to what they have to say and be aware of the struggles they may be facing, such as peer pressure or academic stress. Sometimes, curiosity alone may have driven them to try it.
4. Encourage critical thinking
It’s important for your child to understand that vaping isn’t just about being cool or fitting in with friends. Ask open-ended questions that help them examine their own reasoning and the real consequences. Consider asking:
Why do you think your friends say vaping is cool?
Do you know what can happen to your body when you vape?
This approach helps them develop decision-making skills they can use in other situations too. Use it as an opportunity to research and learn together if you don't know all the answers. This shows that you value finding accurate information and that it's okay not to know everything immediately.
5. Encourage quitting
Be firm about your stance on vaping. Explain the harm it causes and let your child know your concern comes from a place of love. Remind them that they can speak to a professional if they feel uncomfortable sharing more with you.
Vaping is not just a serious offence; it also carries significant health risks. Focus on supporting your child in moving forward rather than dwelling on what's already happened. Let them know you're there to help them make healthier choices and that you'll support them through any challenges they face.
Resources:
https://familiesforlife.sg/pages/tips-3-conversation-starters-about-vaping
https://familiesforlife.sg/pages/tips-4-conversation-starters-about-vaping
https://familiesforlife.sg/pages/conversation-tips-with-your-child-about-vaping