As much as we dread the idea, e-cigarettes are here to stay. At some point, you should plan on speaking to your children about e-cigarettes and their use.
Unfortunately, most parents are quick to criticize their children when they show any signs of vaping. However, there’s more to good parenting than criticizing your kids every time you think they’re making a mistake.
Yes, we agree vaping isn’t a good habit. However, it’s a habit that’s here so talking ill of it alone isn’t going to help the situation.
This article gives you the reasons as to why talking to your kids about vaping is a good idea.
What are Vape Pens?
A vaporizer pen or vape pen (a type of e-cigarette) is a device ranging in size from a standard pen to a large cigar that you can use to inhale heated propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin (the main ingredients in the E-liquid) and blow out the vapor.
A standard vaporizer has three components:
- A liquid cartridge called E-liquid used to produce the vapor. It’s often flavored and can contain strong amounts of nicotine.
- A heating element called the atomizer.
- A rechargeable battery to power the atomizer.
Why Does your Kid Vape?
Before you condemn your kid for vaping, look into the reason why they’re doing it. You should strive to understand why your child is vaping.
One of the things attracting kids to vaping is the array of flavors. According to vaping industry research, 96% of Americans who vape use flavored juice.
Frame your discussion by talking about these flavors doesn’t change the fact they’re still using nicotine. Kids need to understand, just because something tastes good, doesn’t mean it’s harmless.
Most children vape because they think vaping isn’t as bad as smoking. However, here are the facts:
- There haven’t been sufficient scientific studies done on vape pens.
- Vape pens are relatively new to the market and kids are crazy to get their hands on them regardless of the health risks.
- We don’t know what the long-term health risks are. This makes every teenager a willing yet unknowing study subject.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention:
There is also evidence that adjusting the heating element to higher ranges converts the propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin to formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. Both of these chemicals are suspected to be carcinogenic specifically when inhaled into the lungs.
Get Your Kid’s Perspective
In as much as pumping your kid with facts about vaping is a good idea; it is also wise to know what their concept of vaping is. Talk to them in a friendly manner with the aim of trying to get to your kids’ sole reason for vaping.
People are different so generalizing may not be a good idea. Research shows if kids think you are not so repulsive, they will speak their mind out which is the main aim of discussing vaping with your kid in the first place.
Don’t Be Overly Aggressive
When talking to your kids about vaping, do not be too aggressive. In fact, if your child is of the legal age, it is better for him/her to vape as compared to smoking.
While it is true that vaping can sometimes lead to actual smoking and it involves nicotine inhalation as well, its effects are not as adverse as compared to those smoking.
Vaping is not good for your health leave alone those of your kids. Finding out your kids are vaping can be very devastating.
However, it’s essential to keep your cool and talk to your kids in a friendly way. Tell them about the dangers of vaping.
We have seen more people in America vape because they think the habit isn’t as bad as smoking. Let your child know vaping is just as dangerous as smoking because there’s nicotine inhalation involved.
However, if your child has attained the legal age, it would be better for them to vape than to smoke. Bring that to their attention as well.
