Communication Provides Solution To Negative Behavior (NAPSA)—Talking to kids about difficult topics has never been more important. Today, children face immense pressure at young ages. In fact, children as young as age eight are being offered cigarettes. Luckily, according to Dr. Michael Popkin, author of more than 20 takes) start talking so your kids don't smoke parenting books, there is a simple step that parents can take to arm their children against peer pres- brate” by making a special effort to your kids. In fact, I suggest par- Popkin. During the tour, Dr. Pop- sure—start talking. “Any time is a good timeto talk to begin consciously talking and listening to their kids. “Take 10 Day” also marks the launch of a six-city tour with Dr. ents start by taking just 10 min- kin will conduct interactive work- utes to begin a dialogue about tough topics, like not smoking,” says Dr. Popkin. shops titled: “Character, Discipline and Parenting in the 21st Cen- “Take 10: Start Talking So Your Kids Don’t Smoke,” an education tury.” The workshops, designed to instruct parents on encouraging positive behaviorin their children, teach parents: Tobacco Company’s Youth Smoking aboutdifficult topics Dr. Popkin is spokesperson for program, sponsored by Lorillard Prevention Program, that provides parents with the resources to begin a dialogue with their children about not smoking. Dr. Popkin suggests parents take advantage of everyday situations to discuss not smoking with their kids: How to “check in” with kids How to identify warning signs and early signs of trouble How to improve listening skills How to talk so your child doesn’t “tune out” For more information about the e If you see someone put out a cigarette butt or see cigarette butts on the ground, take the opportunity to comment on how workshops or “Take 10,” visit kids what they think. When you request to sit in the non-smoking section of a restaurant, use it as an opportu- voluntary Youth Smoking Preven- section. “The basics of good parent- peer pressure, parental influence you feel about that and ask your nity to tell your child why you don’t want to sit in the smoking child communication work no matter the topic,” says Dr. Popkin. “In reality, recent studies show that parents play a powerful role in influencing their children’s behavior.” To highlight the importance of good communication, the “Take 10” program is proclaiming September 13, 2001, “Take 10 Day” and encouraging parents to “cele- www.2takel10.com or call 877-7474565. The “Take 10” program is part of Lorillard Tobacco Company’s tion Program. The program is a corporate commitment to address the problem of underage smoking on a national scale with initiatives directed at three influence areas: and retail access. The effort includes national advertising, grassroots communications, retail employee training and signage to discourage youth access to tobacco products. The “Take 10” free instructional video is available to parenting and community groups through www.activeparenting.com. Parents also can receive the “Take 10” brochure by visiting www.2takel0.com.
