What if you find out they’re vaping?
If your child is caught vaping or admits to vaping, try to stay calm and non-judgemental. This is an excellent opportunity to talk about it and learn why he/she was doing it. Ask questions like, “Tell me more about what led you to vape?” and “What are some of the reasons?” Let them know you are concerned about their vape use progressing, but try to encourage them to keep talking by asking open-ended, non-judgemental questions.
Try to find out if there is a deeper problem. If they vaped more than once, or are currently vaping, try to get a feel for why. For example, determine if/how their relationships with others have changed, if they are under added stress at school, if their grades have changed, or if they’re hanging out with a different crowd.
If they show any interest in quitting, congratulate them, and ask which resources or strategies they think might work best for them. Talk to your doctor or suggest they check out the Colorado QuitLine. The QuitLine now serves Coloradans as young as 12 years old who want to quit vaping, smoking or chewing. They can enroll themselves quickly and easily at www.coquitline.org or 1-800-QUIT-NOW to get coaching, either through chat or over the phone. Coaching is free, confidential, non-judgemental and is shown to increase the chances of quit success.