Tobacco is a sensitive subject, and it can be difficult to talk to others about their tobacco use. When talking to someone about tobacco, it is helpful to speak in a nonjudgmental way. Let the other person know that you care about their health and the safety of your children, and you are there to offer support.
If you know someone who is ready to quit tobacco, check out our quitting page!
Breathe Resources on Talking to Others About Tobacco
This Breathe video provides helpful tips on how to talk to someone without judgment while still encouraging them to make a healthy change in their life by quitting tobacco!
You may not use tobacco products, but you might know others who do. Talking with them about not smoking/vaping around you and your children can be difficult, but these conversations are necessary to protect the health of your family. This worksheet gives guidance on how to talk to others about not smoking around you or your loved ones:
Talking to Children
The teenage years can come with a lot of peer pressure, especially when it comes to trying things such as smoking or vaping. It is important to talk with your tweens/teens about the dangers of smoking/vaping. This worksheet will help guide you through those difficult conversations:
If you are trying to quit tobacco, talk to your kids about it in an age-appropriate way. Use this worksheet to plan the discussion with your kids as you share why you are making the choice to be tobacco free and how your whole family will benefit.
Talking about Quitting
If you are thinking about quitting tobacco, you do not have to go through your quit journey alone. This worksheet gives tips on how to set yourself up for success and get support from those closest to you!
This handout reviews key points to consider when encouraging someone else to quit tobacco:
Saying the right thing can be tricky, especially with a sensitive subject like tobacco. Do your best to remain nonjudgmental and show empathy during these difficult conversations. This worksheet offers guidance on what to say and what not to say when someone you know is trying to quit:
Nicotine addiction is real and quitting can be hard! Setbacks are to be expected, and someone who is trying to quit will need lots of encouragement. The first worksheet below offers guidance on how to navigate setbacks to get back on track. The second worksheet helps guide the conversation on how and why a setback may have occurred and will help you come up with strategies to stay supportive. Even if someone has a setback on their quit journey, remember that any step towards quitting is a step in the right direction!
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