Will Your Child Smoke?

It is doubtful that most parents consider this question when they are on the highest of highs, celebrating the birth of their baby.

Maybe they should.

In the news these days is the often repeated question whether the depiction of smoking by the motion picture film industry is directly related to smoking in society.

Will your child try smoking because they see their favorite actor smoking on the silver screen?

Yes.

No.

Maybe.

How can we be certain?

The answer is we can't.

If we are going to legislate to the film industry what they can and can't show in theatres, why not stop there?

Every group with a cause can rally for an objectionable image not being shown on celluloid.

I am still wondering how the beer and liquor industry merrily waltzes its way through our television screens and smoking has been cut off from this and other mediums for years.

Has anyone ever heard of the killer DUI problem we have in America?

Where is the outrage on that subject?

But, I digress.

The subject is how as a parent you might influence your child to promise to never smoke in their lifetime.

Set an Example at home.

How can a parent influence a child not to smoke, while they continue to smoke?

Educate your child.

As soon as they are able to understand, begin teaching your child the enormous health risks one takes when they choose to smoke.

Promote your Child's Self Esteem

As a child grows in their inner trust, they grow more confident about their decisions in life. Refusing to smoke or surrender to any addictive type of behavior is one of the greatest challenges one will encounter in life.

When your child can clearly see their brilliant future and the unlimited possibilities life has to offer, they will never picture smoking in their lifetime.

What they see on a motion picture screen is hardly the point.

What they see in their own mind is everything.

The parent who sees the difference is the enlightened one.

The rest are still stumbling in the dark.

 

Steve Tarde is a CPA who founded and teaches the philosophy MOVIES OF THE MIND as illustrated is his blog (www.steve-tarde.blogspot.com)