Does a family member or visitor insist on smoking inside? Here are some ways to convince the person to take it outside.
- Explain how important it is to you that the whole family be protected from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. But be careful not to moralize!
- Tell smokers it’s the smoke that is banned, not them!
- If your family includes children, address their sensitive side: a smoker will be even more understanding when they learn that children are more at risk than adults of having health problems if they are exposed to second-hand smoke.
- Ask them to do their best, saying that the whole family is ready to help.
- Suggest going at the person’s own pace. For example, you could start by prohibiting smoking in a single room or for one day a week. Then gradually include all the rooms and the whole week in the ban.
- If you are also a smoker, show the person that it’s possible. There’s nothing like setting a good example.
Last modified: October 9, 2008
