My 15-year-old came home and mentioned that a bunch of kids in their grade are using disposable vapes in the bathrooms. I'm worried they might try it too, but I don't want to come across as preachy or make them feel like I don't trust them. What's the best way to have this conversation without pushing them away?
Start by thanking them for telling you - that shows they trust you enough to mention it, which is actually a good sign. Ask genuine questions instead of lecturing: what they think about it, why kids are doing it, if they feel pressured. Then share facts without the doom-and-gloom angle - nicotine affects developing brains differently, it's addictive, that kind of thing. Make it clear you trust them but you're also their parent, so you care what they're exposed to.
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