Question:
Do you have a tried and true discipline for a teenage daughter who is caught smoking?
Answer:
Sorry. You're not going to like my advice, but here goes:
You will not be able to stop her from smoking. Pick your battles carefully - and this is not a battle you should fight. In fact, the more you worry about it or lecture her, the more she will smoke! In fact, she will enjoy turning this into a game (i.e., I'll play "sneaking a smoke without mom knowing").
But you can stop her from smoking on YOUR property. Here's what you can say to your daughter:
But you can stop her from smoking on YOUR property. Here's what you can say to your daughter:
"I can't keep you from damaging your health by smoking. But it's your health - not mine! However, I don't want you smoking in my house or anywhere on my property. If you choose to smoke on my property, you'll choose the consequence, which is grounding for 3 days without privileges (e.g., use of phone, T.V., computer, etc.)."
If your daughter smokes on the property, follow through with the consequence. If YOU smoke, keep your cigarettes with you at all times.
==> My Out-of-Control Teen: Help for Parents
