Susan and her husband Chuck are the parents to Charlie Beth, age nine and Chase, age six. Susan is a stay at home mom who manages to keep straight the very full schedules of her two kids. According to Susan, being aware of opportunities to talk to your children will help you comfortably and naturally begin the conversation about not smoking. When you are with your children and you see someone smoking, she recommends you ask your children what they think about it and then share with them your viewpoint as well.

“I think when your children see someone smoking that is a prime opportunity and you need to seize the moment. It’s just an opportunity that you shouldn’t let go by, particularly if they express any interest in it.”

Susan’s son recently attended a safety program that talked about the danger of smoking. Because it made an impression on Chase, she used that experience as a stepping stone to talk even further about her desire that neither of her children ever smoke. Susan believes good communication and a strong relationship with your children will go far in keeping your kids from smoking. She believes that building high self esteem in your child will help them be able to reject the peer pressure to smoke.