| Name: Dani | Date: Jun 1st, 2006 3:29 PM |
As the 34 year old single mother of 4 young girls ages 10-15, I can tell you from my own experience and after many winless battles with my two oldest daughters several years ago, that forbiding a girl to smoke who has already started, will not only damage your relationship, but is doomed to failure.
After going through it with my two oldest daughters, almost loosing their trust and driving an enormous wedge between us, I have learned to relax around issues such as smoking. We have finally come to a truce and things are much better between us now. Being a 2 pak a day smoker since I was 12, I now realize how unrealistic it was for me to try to deny my daughters something that has provided me so much pleasure over the years. I was'nt willing to quit, so how could I expect my daughters to. It just caused a lot of recentment and unessary heartache..
When my 12 year old started smoking last year, I simply sat down and we talked about how much I love her and the risks involved in her decission to smoke. There was no fight, no battle nor the defiance I encounted with my older daughters. We hugged and I laid down some ground rules around her smoking, such as not smoking in bed, using an ash tray at all times, empting her ash trays, not asking strangers to buy cigarettes for her, and common courtesey things like not lighting up in peoples cars or indoors without permission of the people around her. I agreed to buy her cigarettes for her and placed no limits on the amount she could smoke providing she followed my guide lines and kept her school grades up. Once I was resigned to the fact that her older sisters were going to smoke with or without my blessings, I tryed placing limits on the amount they smoked, which just opened more battles and challenged them to continue sneaking around behind my back, which can only be more dammaging.
I smoked behind my parents back until I left home and our battles were legend and our relationship bad to this day. I did not want the same thing to happen to us.
My youngest daughter, who is 10, has been capaigning against her older sisters and my smoking for the last few years. She would hide our cigarettes and leave anti smoking articales laying around the house for us to see, as well as pointing out the health risks. So needless to say, I was surprised last week when I noticed her hawking drags off a cigarette along with her sisters while having breakfast. I thought she would be the one with some sense in our family up until then. I told her I was shocked to see her smoke. She was inhailing drag after drag and releasing the smoke in long, luxurious streams in the same way that her sisters do. She told me that she started smoking a few weeks ago on a challenge from her 12 year old sister who had promissed her she would quit smoking if she could quit herself after learning to smoke. Well anyway to make a long story short, my 10 year old had admittedly got hooked and now confesses she loves it and will never quit. She said she had no idea how good they would taste and how calming they would be. It's almost irronic that the girl who just a few weeks ago was so against smoking was now smoking even more that her sisters.
We had our little talk and a hug and things between us are really good. Your relationship with your daughter will be far better if things are out in the open. Clear the air and accept that she smokes because once a girl starts, nothing you say will make her stop...she'll only do it behind your back and you will drive a wedge between you two and you will see her less and less as she continues doing what she's going to do, behind your back. ↑ |
| Name: Margie | Date: Jul 6th, 2006 12:39 PM |
| Your christianity has made you lose your perspective. So what if she's smoking? So what if she's bisexual? Should you love her any less? These are not things that will destroy her life. They are so petty when compared to the big picture. Why not try accepting her for who she really is rather than making her perform to your idea of perfection. It would just be front anyway. ↑ |
| Name: karen | Date: Jul 17th, 2006 8:19 PM |
| mom caught me smoking at the age of 17 she grounded me and told me if i did it again i would be spanked my mom spanked even tho i was 17 in fact now im 21 and i still get spanked well y friend and walking fro school and she offerd me a smoke when we got to my house mom smelled the smoke and told my friend to sit down and me to go in the bathroon i pleaded to mom not to spank me sge gave my rear a slap and we went to the bathroom were she gave me a bare ass spanking ↑ |
| Name: Layne | Date: Jul 29th, 2006 8:48 AM |
| I would ground her. That means no car keys,phone, or allowance, These kids need to know what no is. please....talk, give her space. Sometimes you cant be your childs friend you need to be the adult. that means they arent going to be happy with you all the time. No wonder this world is out of control with our youth. Did it ever occur that they want to be told no. PUT YOUR FOOT DOWN! IT is Illegal to smoke till 18 yrs old. ↑ |
| Name: rain | Date: Jul 29th, 2006 12:01 PM |
| I made my children swear on my mothers grave to never smoke. The grave she went to due to smoking, I stand there crying because she didn’t get between me and cigarettes. I told them that I would throw by body and soul between them and all harm. And if they ever tried to smoke, I will fight that with all I have. They made the good decision not to challenge that. Sometimes you just have to rise up and take a stand. ↑ |
| Name: bladerunnerx16 | Date: Aug 9th, 2006 1:12 PM |
| when i got caught smoking i did it because I just wanted to do something without my mom knowing. When she caught me, she sat me down and talked to me about all the risks, etc. and then she said it is your decision what you do, but don't ever hide anything from me. I quit shortly after cuz I felt guilty about hiding it from her. ↑ |
| Name: chazzys | Date: Aug 9th, 2006 5:36 PM |
hi im 16 ad imy lil sis did the same thing and she still smokes not but the only thing u can do is show her the risk of smoking show her a couple of pictures of it does i hope this helps
chaz ↑ |
| Name: lindalu | Date: Aug 9th, 2006 7:42 PM |
| I quit smoking five years ago, when my mom died from a smoke related illnes. It was terrible to watch her die the way she did I dont think any one deserves that kind of death. I didnt want to have my daughter have to see me that way, so I made the decision to throw them away. I am proud to say my daughter has made the choice not to smoke, she has seen to much death and suffering in this family and others. ↑ |
| Name: Proud Mom | Date: Jun 20th, 2009 6:59 AM |
| Our daughter Lisa, began smoking openly at age 8 while in the 4th grade. By age 9, and at the end of her 5th grade school year, she was easily enjoying smoking up to a pack-a-day. My husband and I did encourage and teach her somewhat, however, this was very limited and would be more akind to carefull guidance, and enabaling versus directly teaching smoking to our daughter - it was not our intention or desire to directly teach smoking in a literal sense to our daughter. But make no mistake about it, and let me be as clear as possible....we do not hide the fact that WE AE PROUD OF THE FACT THAT OUR DAUGHTER HAS GROWN INTO A MATURE AND RESPONSIBLE YOUNG LADY THAT JUST HAPPENS TO BE A SMOKER. Our daughter does not reflect what you would expect to see in a typical teenage smoker. In-fact to look at her you would in no way even consider, suspect nor would you be able to guess that she has been an active and consistent smoker since the age of 6 or 7. I say here at age 6 or 7 because that is when we really believe Lisa started, and she admitts to that, but it is really hard defining a specific start date or age - although for the record, our daughter and us use age 8 as her official age at which she started smoking most openly. And truthfully, Lisa has told us that, when she is asked at what age did she start smoking, she has given answers such as; I began at age 6; or I stared to smoke in 2nd or 3rd grade. Lisa has said that saying she started at age 8 in the 5th grade has always been received with less shock than from what the the amount of shock the true answers give. The way in which Lisa presents herself to others plays a major role in her schools, both elementary and middle accepting her and allowing for provision for her to smoke in school, on or off school grounds. Today (18 Jun 2009) Lisa is 13 years old (Happy birthday sweetheart!) and is a Freshman, however she is being promoted two grades ahead of her peers. This school year, she will be in the 11th grade and is in the top 1% of her class. I, as an AVON rep, along with helping her to smoke, also helped her with learning proper ways to apply make-up. Because she is only 12, well 13 as of today, we forbid her to try to even attemp to buy cigarettes, although when she was 8, 9 and 10 it was routine and easy for her to walk into any store and make her purchase, with or without us being present. Over the past 3 years, laws and fines have become much more strick with purchases by minors. My husband is an officer in the US military so we have access to the base exchanges and commissaries, this is where we purchase her cigarettes most of the time. They are a bit....ok alot, cheeper on base than in town. The only problem there is sometimes Lisa will complain that the commissary, at times, does not carry her brand - and she is right! Purchases in these facilities by minors is forbidden and for our daughter to even attempt to purchase on base would have unwanted consequences for both my husband's and my careers, and she recognizes that fact. As far as smoking during the day and at school, prior to this school year - and at the beginning of each new school year, we were able to make arrangements with both the elementary and middle schools to arrange for her needed smoking breaks between classes and at lunch. Pretty much, we, the schools, and our daughter agreed to the same set of rules that govern school staff smoking. Lisa must follow these rules without fail. While at school her cigarettes and lighter must be kept out-of-sight in her purse or in her locker. This school year, Lisa will be attending a private school where the SCHOOL has already arranged to accomodate her special needs - arranging for this in the private school was a breeze and was much more easily done than were the public elementary and middle schools. The differance was like night and day - in the public schools we had to really work hard together to come up with realistic and workable solutions. Her new private school took a vary active lead in working with Lisa directly. The school staff did not waite but instead brought their suggestions to us, some were workable and some were not. Some ideals were even rejected by Lisa because she felt some gave her too much time and room to smoke. She said she felt that she had more freedom than her teachers had to smoke at school. Immediately and right up front the staff smoking rules were graciously offered and ultimately extended to Lisa without hesitation. Her new private school was much more accomodating and helpfull to her than what even I, or my daughter had ever expected or even hoped for. This particular school went out of their way to find ways for my daughter to feel accepted and confortable in her new settings. The entire school staff was most supportive of my daughter and her needs. Not a single person in this school ridicule or questioned Lisa or attempted to make her feel guilty for her smoking habit. Lisa just cannot stop complementing the school staff for their total support and their continued genuine concern for allowing her to smoke at school at those time when she needs a cigarette. She has let myself and her principal know that she is fully relaxed and is able to fully focus on her studies and is not spending any time at all wondering if she will be able to sneak out to go smoke. I have never seen our daughter as happy and content as this. Lisa is more than just thrilled and most thankfull and frankly, relieved that her school is not only willing to work with her, but will bring suggestions to her on making the most of her smoking in a school setting. And so am I. For example it was the Principal that suggested Lisa come to school a bit earlier and stay in the staff lounge until classes start. Lisa is also being offer and asked to take her lunch break in the staff lounge. These, and other accomodations for her were far and above what even Lisa or I was expecting or even asking for. The school has far exceeded all of Lisa's expectations. For the most part each school, be it public or private was/is most concerned about not influencing the other students. And this is understood and is supported enthusiastically by Lisa, as she has no interest in seeing her peers smoke. Matter-of-fact Lisa teaches against smoking in her chruch youth group. Here again, it is her ability to present herself that brought her new private school to her side to more than accomodate her smoking. Now don't get me wrong, this took alot of work, communication and understanding by all parties, including school principals, the school nurses and referrals from the base hospital as well as the Command Family Advocacy Unit. Needless to say that counsellings directed towards us as parents and to our daughter certainly seemed endless but were fruitfull and educational for us as well as for Lisa herself. To this day I am soooooo proud of my girl and we will continue to support her in all endeavors. As far as her smoking at home, (currently in base housing), it is totally unrestricted. Although while she is out-and-about on base without us, she is aware that descretion is required and must be used. While off base, Lisa can smoke when and where she chooses as long as she abides by all city ordances regarding smoking restrictions. By the way I have a Masters degree and have been a teacher in primary and secondary education for the past 17 years. Most of it in the Department of Defense School systems. Our daughter is smart, responsible, well behaved, well spoken and drug free......except tobacco obviously. She has participated in, and won several local Little Miss titles. Was class pres in Jr. HS, was editor of her Jr. High year book, stayed on the Honor roll, was inducted into the National Jr. Honor Society, participated in peer-to-peer teaching of reading and math to elementary school children, and currently is employed part-time as a student writer for the local paper, and is a Youth Leader in her church Youth Group....... and YES we are proud of her!!! Her most immediate goal after High School is to be accepted into the US Air Force Acadmey Prep School. One final note, our daughter has been a consistant and routine smoker now for a little over 5 years, and has consistently kept her use limited to a pack-a-day or less, except for during her "exam weeks" where her use at times, (not always), would soar to a pack-and-a-half to two packs a day. After exam week she quickly brings her use back down to her normal pack-a-day level. This is all done on her own accord with no pressure from us. She has yearly x-ray screenings done and her health is closely monitored for any signs or indications of health issues or problems. If you should any question at all please feel free to ask me, or Lisa, but please do not get rude, personnal or overly judgemental. I know it would be easy to become judgemental when it comes to a young child smoking. Not to mention a young child smoking at 6, 7 or 8 years of age. Both my daughter and myself fully understand that not all will be as tolerant or open about this subject - and we fully respect, and honeslty, Lisa expects and anticipates those feelings. It should be noted that we also have 17 year old son who has zero interest in smoking. This is good because both my husband and I doubt that we would permit or even put-up for one minute with him smoking. ↑ |
| Name: Proud Mom | Date: Jun 20th, 2009 8:39 PM |
Please read this ENTIRE post!
Our daughter Lisa, now 11 years old, began smoking openly at age 7 while in the 3rd or 4th grade. By age 9, and at the end of her 5th grade school year, she was easily enjoying smoking up to a pack-a-day. My husband and I did encourage and teach her somewhat, however, this was very limited and would be more akin to careful guidance, and enabling versus directly teaching smoking to our daughter - it was not our intention or desire to directly teach smoking in a literal sense to our daughter. But make no mistake about it, and let me be as clear as possible....we do not hide the fact that WE AE PROUD OF THE FACT THAT OUR OLD OUR DAUGHTER, LISA HAS GROWN INTO A BEATIFULL, MATURE AND RESPONSIBLE YOUNG LADY WHO JUST HAPPENS TO ENJOY SMOKING. Our daughter does not reflect what you would normally expect to see in a typical teenage smoker. In-fact to look at her you would in no way even consider, suspect nor would you be able to guess that she has been an active and consistent smoker since the age of 6 or 7. I say here at age 6 or 7 because that is when we really believe Lisa started, and she readily admits to that, but it is really hard defining a specific start date, age or grade level - although for the record, our daughter uses age 8, 5th grade as her official age and grade at which she started smoking most openly. And truthfully, Lisa has told us that when she is asked at what age did she start smoking, she has given answers such as; I began at age 6; or I stared to smoke in 2nd or 3rd grade. Lisa has said that saying she started at age 8 in the 5th grade has always been received with less shock than from what the amount of shock the true answers give. The way in which Lisa presents herself to others plays a major role in her schools, both elementary and middle accepting her and allowing for provision for her to smoke in school, on or off school grounds. Today (18 Jun 2009) Lisa is 12 years old (Happy birthday sweetheart!) and is a Freshman, however she is being promoted two grades ahead of her peers. This school year, she will be in the 11th grade and is in the top 1% of her class. I, along with helping her to smoke, also helped her with learning proper ways to apply make-up. Because she is only 11, we forbid her to try to even attempt to buy cigarettes, although when she was 7, 8, 9 and 10 years old it was routine and easy for her to walk into any store and make her purchase, with or without us being present. But times have change since then. Over the past 2 years, laws and fines have become much more strict with purchases by minors. My husband is an officer in the US military so we have access to the base exchanges and commissaries, this is where we purchase her cigarettes most of the time. They are a bit....ok allot, cheaper on base than in town. The only problem there is sometimes Lisa will complain that the commissary, at times, does not carry her brand - and she is right! Purchases in these facilities by minors is forbidden and for our daughter to even attempt to purchase on base would have unwanted consequences for her and she readily recognizes that fact. As far as smoking during the day and at school, prior to this school year - and at the beginning of each new school year, we were able to make arrangements with both the elementary and middle schools to arrange for her needed smoking breaks between classes and at lunch. Pretty much, we, the schools, and our daughter agreed to the same set of rules that govern school staff smoking. Lisa must follow these rules without fail. While at school her cigarettes and lighter must be kept out-of-sight in her purse or in her locker. This school year, Lisa will be attending a private school where the SCHOOL has already arranged to accommodate her special needs - arranging for this in the private school was a breeze and was much more easily done than were the public elementary and middle schools. The difference was like night and day - in the public schools we had to really work hard together to come up with realistic and workable solutions. Her new private school took a vary active lead and sincere interest in working with Lisa directly. The school staff did not wait, but instead brought their suggestions to Lisa and myself immediately, some ideals were workable and some were not. Some ideals were even rejected outright by Lisa, because she felt some of the ideals presented gave her too much time and room to smoke. She said she felt that she had more freedom than her teachers had to smoke at school. Immediately and right up front, the staff smoking rules were graciously offered and ultimately extended to Lisa without hesitation. And of course she and I accepted this with open arms. Her new private school was much more accommodating and helpful to her than what even I, or my daughter had ever, ever expected or even hoped and prayed for. As a matter-of-fact, Lisa was quite pleasantly surprised and mildly SHOCKED at the level of support, attention and time her school was devoting to making sure she had a suitable and safe place to comfortably smoke at. I too could not quite believe what I was seeing. After all this was a school, how is it that they would go to such trouble to insure Lisa, our 11 year old daughter at the time, would be able to smoke, and smoke almost at will? While I too was very pleasantly surprised, and maybe even a little shocked, I was happy beyond description that our daughter, Lisa was taken seriously in this matter. This particular school went out of their way to find ways for my 11 year old daughter to feel accepted and comfortable in her new settings. The entire school staff was most supportive of my daughter and her needs. Not a single person in this school ridicule or questioned Lisa or attempted to make her feel guilty for her smoking habit that, remember, ....started at age 7 while in the 3rd or 4th grade. Lisa just cannot stop complementing the school staff for their total support and their continued genuine concern for allowing her to smoke at school at those times when she needs a cigarette. She has let myself and her principal know that she is fully relaxed and is able to fully focus on her studies and is not spending any time at all wondering if she will be able to sneak out to go smoke. I have never seen our daughter as happy and content as she currently is. Lisa is more than just thrilled, and most thankful...... and frankly she is relieved that her school is not only willing to work with her, but will actively bring suggestions to her on making the most of her smoking in a school setting. AND SO AM I!!. For example it was the Principal that suggested Lisa come to school a bit earlier and stay in the staff lounge until classes start. Lisa is also being offer and asked to take her lunch break in the staff lounge. These, and other accommodations for her were far and above what even Lisa or I could have expected or even asked for. The school has far exceeded all of Lisa's expectations. And to think other students in other schools are being expelled for just being caught smoking outside the school fence. Lisa is grateful, as I am that not all educators have a closed mind, one size fits all attitude. There still can be room for choice, guidance, acceptance, and flexibility in rules, to be able to adjust in situations that may just call for it. Lisa's new school has done that and much, much more. For the most part each school, be it public or private was/is most concerned about not influencing the other students. And this is understood and is supported enthusiastically by Lisa, as she has no interest in seeing her peers smoke. Matter-of-fact Lisa teaches against smoking in her church youth group. Here again, it is her ability to present herself in a mature way that brought her new private school to her side to more than accommodate her smoking needs. Now don't get me wrong, this took allot of work, communication and understanding by all parties, including school principals, the school nurses and referrals from the base hospital as well as the Command Family Advocacy Unit. Needless to say that counseling’s directed towards us as parents and to our daughter certainly seemed endless but were fruitful and educational for us as well as for Lisa herself. To this day both my husband and I are soooooo proud of our girl, and we will continue to support her in all endeavors. As far as her smoking at home, (currently in base housing), it is totally unrestricted. Although while she is out-and-about on base without us, she is aware that discretion is required and must be used. While off base, Lisa can smoke when and where she chooses as long as she abides by all city ordnances regarding smoking restrictions. By the way I have a Masters degree and have been a teacher in primary and secondary education for the past 17 years. Our daughter is smart, responsible, well behaved, well spoken and drug free......except of course for tobacco obviously. She has participated in, and won several local Little Miss titles. Was class pres in Jr. HS, was editor of her Jr. High year book, stayed on the Honor roll, was inducted into the National Jr. Honor Society, participated in peer-to-peer teaching of reading and math to elementary school children, and currently is employed part-time as a student writer for the local paper, and is a Youth Leader in her church Youth Group....... and YES we are proud of her!!! Her most immediate goal after High School is to be accepted into the US Air Force Academy Prep School. One final note, our now 12 year old daughter has been a consistent and routine smoker now for a little over 5 years, and has consistently kept her use limited to a pack-a-day or less, except for during her "exam weeks" where her use at times, (but not always), would soar to a pack-and-a-half to two packs a day. After exam week she quickly brings her use back down to her normal pack-a-day level. This is all done on her own accord with no pressure from us. Although she does admit that recently she is smoking a little more than she would like to. She says "maybe as much as two packs a day". She has yearly x-ray screenings done and her health is closely monitored for any signs or indications of health issues or problems. If you should any question at all please feel free to ask me, or Lisa, but please do not get rude, personal or overly judgmental. I know it would be easy to become judgmental when it comes to a young child smoking. Not to mention a young child smoking at 6, 7 or 8 years of age as Lisa has done. Our daughter fully understands that not all will be as tolerant or open about this subject - and she fully respects, and honestly, Lisa expects and anticipates those feelings. It should be noted that we also have 17 year old son who has zero interest in smoking. This is good because both my husband and I doubt that we would permit or even put-up for one minute with him smoking. ↑ |
| Name: Young Landy | Date: Jun 21st, 2009 2:43 AM |
| I have just read the post by PROUD MOM - and to tell you all the truth I am somewhat jealous! I am myself a young lady of 13, who also enjoys smoking. I consider myself to be a responsible and considerate young lady, not just with my smoking, but in all areas of my life. I too started to smoke at a quite young age. I was 9 when I first began and was smoking regularly by 10 – I have just turned 13, so I have been a regular smoker for about 3 years now. My parents, while they do not support the ideal at all – they do permit me to smoke just about at any time and any where I would like. Of course I am not able to buy my own cigarettes, so they are gracious enough do assist me in that area, and I do appreciate that. My parents DO NOT PAY FOR MY CIGARETTES. I do have a part-time job and I am able to afford to pay for my own cigarettes. Now for the smoking in school situation – and this is what makes me mad; I was expelled from school for smoking. It seems like they rather ruin my mind totally because I felt compelled to smoke. So I was really set back in school, and I am a bit behind the power curve on this one. I only wish my school had been so understanding of my situation. Lisa, you are lucky – I wish I could have had the same support from my schools as you did with yours. To parents who are worried: You are suppose to worry. And as a daughter I would be upset if my parents did not worry and fret over my smoking. But do not think it is the end of the world if your little girl starts. My smoking does not make me love my parents any less and they should continue to love me just the way I am. Right now I do enjoy up to a pack of cigarette a day, sometime two pack when I am really be challenged – I suppose one day I will quite because I am mature enough to recognize that there is a huge risk factor to smoking. If anyone has a question for a young 13 year old woman who enjoys her smoking please ask me. I will be as honest with you as I can possibly be. ↑ |
| Name: Proud Mom | Date: Jun 21st, 2009 7:58 AM |
Hello everyone –
My name is Lisa C. and I am the subject of my Mom’s (PROUD MOM) posts. First off I tried to set-up an account but I kept getting a message that because of my age I could not. I don’t understand this, but OK. I will not lie about my age, so I am going to use my moms account, with her permission to post this. I thought it would be beneficial for everyone to get my perspective on this smoking issue. First off a really quick history; I had my first cigarette at age of 6, believe it or not. At the time my school was located directly behind my house so each day I would walk to and from school. No more than a few hundred yards. On one particular day, when school let out it was just raining cats- and-dogs. My 3rd grade teacher, Ms Clark (not her real name) motioned me over to her car so I would at least be able to stay dry. As I was sitting in her car, I had noticed a pack of cigarettes in her purse. This was really something thrilling to me, because I did not know or even believed teachers smoked. Well as stupid as I was, I ask Ms Clark if I could have one. She hesitated and gave a brief laugh and then to my utter amazement and surprise she said “sounds like a good ideal to me”. She took a cigarette and lit it and then passed the pack to me. I took one out, leaned over a got a light from Ms Clark. While I was extremely nervous, I must admit that this was something I was really enjoying. I finished my cigarette and Ms Clark was still working on hers. It stopped raining, I got down and went home. Not much developed with my smoking for about the next two years. although I would have a cigarette now and again. But certainly not smoking yet on a steady or regular basis. At the beginning of 5th grade, I think I was 8 years old then, I began to smoke quite often – a pack a day regularly. What trigger this was Ms Clark again! But certainly not her fault. My mom and I were in the bowling alley eating and Ms Clark was sitting at a table right by us. After eating my mom left briefly to go do something, make a call or something, I got up and went and sat at Ms Clark’s table. This time I did not have to ask Ms Clark for a cigarette, she offered. I graciously accepted and thanked her, and while we both were there smoking my mom had come back. She observed what was going on, and to tell you the truth she seemed unmoved by the whole episode. On one had I was surprised that she did not go through the roof, but on the other hand I was pleased that she was not going to have a heart attack right there. I had really never felt the need or desire to hide my smoking from anyone, even my mom and dad who both soon came to just accept the fact that I was a truly adolescent smoker. I guess you could say I was just a confident child and did not feel a bit guilty about my smoking. It is really funny, between the ages of 8 and 11 I did not have too hard of a time purchasing cigarettes, but that soon ended and stores began to refuse me. This is when my mom and dad began to give me some help with purchasing my cigarettes. Smoking is a stupid thing to do and I do not advocate it to anyone, especially children as young as I. I do enjoy smoking, but this is a decision I made for myself. I am now 12 years old and I am not overly thrilled about having a smoking habit at such a young age. Be that as it may, and like I said before, I do immensely enjoy smoking - not sure why, I just do. My schools in the past, as well as my new school have really been a big help to me in providing for a safe and secure place for me to smoke while I am at school. I am not sure if I really agree with all of my schools supporting me to the extent that they have, but I certainly was not going to turn down any of the offers that were made to me. On that point I do have some mixed feelings. My gosh, my current school has applied less restrictive smoking rules onto me than what they have applied to the school staff, including the teachers. To me this is ridiculous, so I do self-impose limited smoking while I am in school and try to be on par with what the school staff has to abide by. I believe I do a pretty good job at that. I have to run for now, my youth group is meeting soon.
I could write more later if anyone has any interest at all in hearing more on my - an 11 year olds perspective, on adolescent smoking, Just let me know. I would be happy to discuss this with any of you. I look forward to seeing your comments addressing head on any questions any of you might have. And mom thanks for your birthday greeting in your post. I keep forgetting that I am now 12 years old and not eleven as I just wrote above. ↑ |
| Name: Lisa C | Date: Jun 22nd, 2009 12:25 AM |
Hi again to everyone,
This is Lisa C. I have had many parents contact me wanting to talk more. Weahter you are a parent or a peer and would like to discuss teen smoking issues with me more please write to me at Lisacruzsmith@gmail.com ↑ |
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