One Puff Above the Limit
A former professor of mine used to preach that when caring for a child, be sure to "build up Momma." Remember to tell her what a good job she's doing, and help her when she may be struggling. Momma is the one who bears the major responsibility for young children, day in and day out. She-no offense, Dads-is the one who typically sets the tone for health behavior in the home. Yet young women are taking up smoking in droves, and in what seems to be a curious fact of gender biology, once hooked it's harder for them to quit than men. Women respond differently to smoking cessation programs and may also face more intense withdrawal symptoms.
Most parents who smoke want to give it up and sure don't want their kids to start. Moms may be just the pressure point for change. But don't punish them. Encourage, educate, and motivate them, and provide programs tailored to assist them in kicking their addiction. Help smokers become better mothers. And let health experts, not cops, walk the smoking beat.
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