Vaping and Parenting

As a parent, you want nothing but the best for your children. You want them to be healthy, happy, and to live long, fulfilling lives. Unfortunately, there are many dangers out there that can threaten their health and wellbeing. One such danger is vaping. Vaping has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among young people. In speaking to one grade 9 youth, I was told that it seemed like more than 60% of people at their high school vaped, and that if someone didn’t, they 100% knew someone who did.
Many people see it as a safer alternative to smoking, but the truth is that vaping is far from safe. In fact, it can be incredibly dangerous, especially for young people whose bodies are still developing.
There are many reasons why vaping is dangerous. One of the biggest is that it can lead to addiction. Vaping devices are often designed to deliver high levels of nicotine, which is highly addictive. This can make it incredibly difficult for young people to quit vaping once they start.
Nicotine addiction can also have serious consequences for young people’s health. Nicotine can harm the developing brain, which can lead to learning and attention problems. It can also increase the risk of mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
Another danger of vaping is that it can damage the lungs. Vaping devices deliver a mix of chemicals and metals, which can irritate the lungs and cause inflammation. This can lead to a range of respiratory problems, including chronic bronchitis and asthma.
Vaping can also expose young people to other harmful substances. Many vaping liquids contain flavorings, which can be made from a variety of chemicals. Some of these chemicals have been linked to lung disease and other health problems. In addition, some vaping liquids have been found to contain heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, which can be toxic.
As Christian parents, it’s important to take these dangers seriously. Our bodies are a gift from God, and we are called to take care of them. This means doing everything we can to protect our children’s health and wellbeing.
Addressing vaping before it occurs is obviously the best alternative. Talk to your child about the dangers of vaping. Explain to them that vaping is not safe and can have serious consequences for their health. Encourage them to make healthy choices and to avoid harmful substances. You can also set a good example by not vaping yourself. Children are more likely to take up vaping if they see their parents doing it. By not vaping, you can show your child that you take their health and wellbeing seriously.
But believe it or not, there is a likelihood that your child has already tried vaping, or is doing it on a regular basis. If that is the case, there are also a number of steps you can follow. The first is opening the door of communication, and ask questions to help you understand better. Questions you can ask include: What made you want to start?, What triggers your cravings?, What’s been stressing you out? and How could I help make quitting easier?. As well, you must remember to be patient, this is an addiction and if your student wants to quit, it can be a long process, that is difficult for both of you. Finally, help them to make a plan to quit, this can include removing the temptation, activities they can do when feeling tempted or seeking further help from a doctor or professional.
Remember, it’s never too late to make positive changes and to protect your child’s health and well-being!