Thank You For Not Smoking

There are many things I wish I didn't have to teach my kids about. Discrimination, hate, drugs, war, the bad touch, and smoking, just to name a few.

I certainly never expected to be faced with the necessity of having the no smoking conversation with my three year old.

Yes, I said three.

While leaving the mall this fine Friday afternoon, we passed by a group of younger adults who were smoking next to the entrance. While I was thinking how I wish of was illegal, I glanced down to see my precious, innocent first born imitating the act. When I asked her what she was doing, she said, "I want to be like those girls."

I was stunned. Then nauseated. Then undeniably, irrevocably sad.

I took a moment to compose myself and proceeded to explain that smoking is rude (a concept she can grasp), germy, gross, and can make you very, very sick. Yet as the words sternly and confidently came out of my mouth, I knew in my heart that she didn't get it. The first of what would undoubtedly be the first of many (though hopefully not too soon) chips away at her innocence had occured. I felt completely helpless.

I wished I could have shaken the smokers. I wished that the hideous habit was illegal, like pot. I wished that we had gone into The Gap or stopped by Gymboree before heading to our car. But I didn't. It isn't. And we headed straight for the car without hesitation.

What breaks my heart is that I know my little girl will be faced with tough choices. I know that she is living in a world that forces the end of innocence at an all-too-early age. And as her mom, I'm faced with the challenging task of protecting her from the bad for as long as I can, and preparing her for the inevitible day when she will have to make her own way.

In the meantime, remember that an innocent little girl or boy may be watching you, idolizing you, emulating you. And as you keep that thought tucked in the back of your memory, I kindly thank you for not smoking.

Love, hugs, and blessings.
The Mama

Posted with LifeCast