To mark National Clean Air Day (19th June), we’ve teamed up with National Trust Cymru and RSPB to …
What if i smoke or vape?
If you smoke or vape, you might feel unsure about how to talk to your child about it. But the truth is, your experience gives you a powerful voice. You know what nicotine does. You understand how hard it is to stop. That experience makes you relatable.
What if I feel guilty smoking or vaping around my child?
Many parents feel uncomfortable using nicotine around their children. You might feel judged, worry you’re setting a bad example, or feel stuck in a habit you wish you had kicked years ago.
They might ask questions like:
“Why do you do that if it’s not good for you?”
“Does that mean I can do it too when I’m older?”
These conversations can feel exposing. But they’re also a chance to show your child what honesty looks like. You don’t have to have perfect answers. You can say:
“I started when I was young and I still find it hard to stop. I don’t want you to go through the same thing.”
“Just because I’m still using doesn’t mean I think it’s okay. I’m working on it.”
If you feel stuck using nicotine in front of them, try talking about that too. Let them see you noticing the impact, and thinking about change even if you’re not ready yet.
Even small shifts matter. Stepping outside to vape or smoke, pausing for a conversation about it, or being willing to answer their questions all of these tell your child that their health matters and that you’re thinking about it, even if it’s hard.
Quitting Together: A Chance to Motivate Each Other
If you’re child is using nicotine products and you’re also thinking about quitting, this could be a moment to do it side by side. Supporting each other can make a huge difference and it doesn’t need to be perfect.
This could be a chance to:
Cheer each other on
Keep each other accountable
Talk about what’s hard without judgement
Celebrate small wins together
Show that change is possible at any age
Quitting together isn’t about pressure. It’s about partnership. It can even bring you closer, especially if you’re both open about what’s helping and what’s not.
You could use the same support service like Help Me Quit Wales and ask for guidance that works for both of you. They’ll help you build a plan, whatever stage you’re each at.
“I’ve been meaning to stop too. Maybe we can help each other.
Let’s both try to go one day without and see how it feels.”
If you're not ready to quit yet
That’s okay. You can still talk about what you’ve learned from your own experience.
You might say: “I’m working on my own choices. But right now, this is about your health, not mine.”
Let them know you’re with them even if you’re still working it out for yourself.
Looking after yourself too
This might be a tough conversation especially if you feel judged by others or by your own child. Take a moment for yourself. You are allowed to be a parent who’s still figuring things out. Your care and honesty still matter.
If you’re thinking about quitting, there’s support for you too:
Help Me Quit Wales: Free, friendly support for adults and young people
Visit www.helpmequit.wales or call 0800 085 2219
Quitting doesn’t have to be a condition for being a good parent. But if you want help, it’s there — and it’s never too late to try.
You are still the most important influence in their life
Whether you smoke, vape or have quit in the past, your voice matters. Your story matters. Your child still looks to you for guidance, even when they’re pushing back.
What they’ll remember is that you were honest, you cared enough to talk about it, and you showed up with love, even in the messy moments.