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Vaping is a common behaviour among teenagers today. These teens inhale and exhale vapour from electronic cigarettes to feel pleasure. Young people prefer premium juice to regular cigarette smoke because it is cheaper and safer.
Considering these teenagers are under parental care, parents must understand vaping comprehensively. Parents can tell if their children are vaping or advise them if they know how it works.
How Vaping Works
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are devices designed to allow users to inhale nicotine in vapour form instead of smoke. As a result, these devices do not burn tobacco to produce the usual smoke produced by cigarettes.
E-cigarettes contain a liquid with multiple ingredients like nicotine, flavourings, and other chemicals. This liquid is heated to produce vapour which the user inhales and later exhales. This process of inhaling and exhaling the vapour from e-cigarettes is called vaping.
Some e-cigarettes are refillable, while others are single-use devices thrown away after taking several puffs. It is important to note that vaping does not produce carbon monoxide or tar, making it relatively safer than smoking.
How do you know your child is vaping?
You can easily tell if your child is vaping through interrogation. Calmly ask the child if they have ever tried vaping. There is a high chance the child will be honest with you if you encourage a friendly conversation.
You should also check for common signs associated with vaping. Check if the child is wheezing or coughing frequently. Check out new smells, cartridges, or suspicious items in the child’s room or bag.
What should you do to a vaping child?
Vaping is less harmful than smoking, but most parents discourage it. Therefore, some parents may want to help their children to stop vaping.
As a parent, you should hold a conversation with your child after you realize they are vaping. Take time to understand what influenced them. Then, you can advise them on what you feel is best for them.
You can explain to your child what you know about vaping. Ensure they understand your position about vaping. Then, you can help them quit if necessary.
Parental support to teenagers who are vaping
Some parents fail to understand their children and start fights with them when they realize they are vaping. As a parent, you should always be supportive of your child.
Take time to understand what the child thinks about vaping. Listen to them as you ask them questions before taking any action. It is better to allow them to express themselves than reprimanding and condemning them.
Parents should offer advice and support for children who want to quit vaping. They could educate, advise, or counsel their children where appropriate. However, they should avoid getting into petty fights with their children by forcing them to quit.
Final Thoughts
Vaping is relatively safer and cheaper than smoking. However, it has now become common among teenagers. As a parent, you should learn about vaping so that you can know how to handle your child’s potential vaping habits.
