My Teen Son Is Smoking, What Should I Do?

19 July, 2020
Q I’m a father of 3 kids, I found out that my oldest son who is 17-year-old is smoking.

I’m not a smoking father and I don’t know how to convince him to give up this bad habit, What’s your advice?

Answer

In this counseling answer:

•If he agrees, you may want to get medical intervention such as the patch or gum to ease withdrawal symptoms.

•If he does not agree to quit, you can only continue to encourage good healthy habits, gentle reminders of the health consequences as well as the Islamic rulings on not destroying our bodies.

•By aligning yourself as a support system for him, you may get much further than with punitive measures.


As-salamu alaykum,

While smoking is detestable, I am afraid that at 17 your son is almost considered a young man now and in a few more years will be grown.

Unfortunately at this age, the more you say “no”, the harder they push to do it. I would kindly suggest that when things are calm, take him out somewhere nice. Such as to lunch, a walk to the park, fishing, whatever he enjoys. Causally ask him what he plans for his future.

When he responds you can point out that it may be hard with emphysema. Or cancer or any other of the numerous health problems smoking brings.

I would have some literature on some of the conditions with pictures and explanations. I would also tell him that if he wishes to quit, that you will be there to help him.

While good health is a reward for quitting, often times a parent will help their child quit by setting up milestone rewards of their choosing as an incentive.

My Teen Son Is Smoking, What Should I Do? - About Islam

I do not know how long your son has been smoking, but he is probably addicted. In this case, if he agrees, you may want to get medical intervention such as the patch or gum to ease withdrawal symptoms.

If he does not agree to quit, you can only continue to encourage good healthy habits, gentle reminders of the health consequences as well as the Islamic rulings on not destroying our bodies.

By aligning yourself as a support system for him, you may get much further than with punitive measures.

We wish you the best brother, you are in our prayers.

***

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About Aisha Mohammad
Aisha received her PhD in psychology in 2000 and an MS in public health in 2009. Aisha worked as a Counselor/Psychologist for 12 years for Geneva B. Scruggs Community Health Care Center in New York. Aisha specializes in trauma, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, marriage/relationships issues, as well as community-cultural dynamics. She is certified in Restorative Justice/ Healing Circles, Conflict Resolution, Mediation, and is also a certified Life Coach. Aisha works at a Family Resource Center, and has a part-time practice in which she integrates healing and spirituality using a holistic approach. Aisha plans to open a holistic care counseling center for Muslims and others in the New York area in the future, in sha' Allah. Aisha is also a part of several organizations that advocate for social & food justice. In her spare time she enjoys her family, martial arts classes, Islamic studies as well as working on her book and spoken word projects.