How do I get my parents to stop smoking once and for all?

Question

My parents have smoked since before my siblings and I were born. My mom even smoked while she was pregnant with all three of us! They smoke like chimneys, and they swear up and down they would quit, but whenever they say they're going to they give up after one or two days.

They roll their own cigarettes, which I guess saves money, but it's still a horrible habit. There's always tobacco everywhere because they're roll their cigarettes wherever they please, and the ashtrays are always full, even after I empty them.

I wish they wouldn't smoke in the house either. Our house smells and no amount of Febreeze will get rid of it. My clothing stinks and I'm pretty sure that people can tell that our house smells when they visit. 

My question is this: How do I get my parents to stop smoking once and for all? I hate it when they smoke, and no matter what I say their response is always, "It's my house, I'll do what I want!" It makes me upset that they don't care about their health, or my siblings and I either!

I thought of taking all of their cigarettes, lighters, and ashtrays and hiding them, but with my luck they'll get angry and go buy more stuff instead. What can I do? I don't want them to live the rest of their lives sick because they won't quit. How can I get them to commit to a plan and get them smoke free?

Thank you.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

You can't make them do anything. Why? Because you're the kid, and they're the adults. That means you respect them, and do as they say. 
You don't hide their cigarettes. Unless your wish is to get punished and not have them get you the next thing you need. "Oh, remember when you threw our cigarettes away, that's why we refuse to buy ___ for you." Unless you want that thrown back in your face, be my guest. 
As for clothes, stop worrying. You have friends who have parents that smoke too, and could care less what your clothes smell like. Those who do, are just trying to get a rise out of you. Don't let them. Just tell them you know their parents smoke too. That'll shut them up.

Susan Yarrawonga · Answer

Unfortunately most smokers are not capable of quitting or are not really interested in quitting.  Smokers know the health dangers of smoking but most smokers choose to ignore them.  They just live for today and don't worry about tomorrow or later on.

Perhaps you could move out and live with an aunt or uncle or even your grandparents in return for helping them with housework and in other ways.

Quite likely you will have to put up with their smoking habit until you are sufficiently financial to move out so that could be until you join the workforce.  Very sad but that is the real world.  There are probably as many problem parents in the world as problem kids.

TopSecret · Answer

You could "protest" ... You can make posters and show them videos about it. You could ask them to give up smoking and promise that if they'll do that you will be less naughty.  If they don't want to do it just threaten them that you'll start smoking too and also drinking... (don't do that..just threaten them or pretend)
You and your 3 brothers should make a "family conference" and start talking about the problem (because that's what it is), pray them to give up, do everything it takes.
You could make a contest (I know it sounds childish) : who manages not to smoke more then the other gets a free dinner and special treatment from you . The longer the period is, the better the treatment will be.
You must not give up... They need to be told what's best for them, and tell them that you want that , you don't want them to suffer, to be in hospitals later...that you want them to see their grandchildren (you should talk about this possibility too) 
It's difficult...but good luck with it!I hope you'll make it.

Anonymous · Answer

You can't make someone else quit, and you shouldn't try.  It's disrespectful.  And, yes, if you hide their smokes, they'll get furious, you'll get punished, and they'll buy more.

Just let them know you don't approve, don't smoke yourself, and leave it at that.

Anonymous · Answer

Wow..thats really unhealthy to smoke in the house! Try telling them you are aggrevated by the smell of the house and your clothes and that you wish they would stop because you dont want to lose them. Also, I got my mom to buy Commit Stop-Smoking thingies and Nicorette gum and she says when the new year starts she will use them!

Also show them they effects of smoking in pictures or something or tell them stuff that you learn in health lol
:)

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How do I get my parents to stop smoking once and for all?

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