Every morning, I pass a father who walks his 8-year-old son to school. He holds his son’s hand while simultaneously puffing on a cigarette, just a block away from the school entrance. It’s infuriating to watch. I often find myself wanting to stop the car and kindly ask him to wait until his son is safely at school and the drop-off traffic has cleared before lighting up.
The child doesn’t have a choice in the matter—he must be accompanied by an adult. Meanwhile, every child who passes by sees this father casually smoking, completely oblivious to the harmful effects of his actions on those around him.
Let’s get something straight: smoking doesn’t make you a bad person or a bad parent. Many people enjoy smoking, and breaking the habit can be incredibly challenging. Ultimately, everyone has the right to make their own choices. However, smoking around children is not acceptable.
It’s important to recognize that smoking in the vicinity of kids—whether they belong to you or someone else—should be avoided. Second-hand smoke poses significant health risks, and third-hand smoke—the residue left on clothing and surfaces—can also be harmful.
You might think it’s common sense to refrain from smoking in public areas like grocery stores or hospitals, particularly where children are present. Yet, it seems some people have missed that memo. The health risks associated with smoking should encourage smokers to be more considerate, but there’s another factor to consider. According to an article in The Toronto Star, when children observe adults smoking, it normalizes this behavior. We can educate our kids about the dangers of smoking, but those lessons might be undermined when they see adults engaging in a harmful activity.
Yes, it is your right to smoke, but don’t disregard the well-being of others. There are designated smoking areas available for a reason. I’ve seen them behind grocery stores, at car dealerships, and even at restaurants. If you must smoke, do it in a less populated area or in your car—just not with your kids inside.
We are striving to raise informed children who understand the risks of smoking while also shielding them from its damaging effects. If you insist on smoking near us, don’t be surprised if a concerned parent politely asks you to move along.
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In summary, while everyone has the right to make personal choices, those choices shouldn’t come at the expense of others, especially children. Be mindful of where you light up and consider the impact your actions may have on the younger generation.