Becoming a Smoke-Free Family is possible, especially when you do it as a team! Here are some simple steps to help you succeed.
1. Get on the same page
Get on the same page by discussing as a family about the decision to eliminate second-hand smoke from your home and car. It’s a team project, so all family members need to feel involved and approve of the decision. Why? Because a common commitment is more likely to be respected by everyone.
To learn more about the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and the advantages of living smoke-free, consult the Why live smoke-free? section.
Need help convincing your family members? Visit the Convince Those Around You page for some good arguments.
2. Get the ball rolling
Are all family members on board for becoming a Smoke-Free Family? If so, you’re ready to go! Choose the official date when your decision will be put into place (e.g., in 1 month) and register for the Smoke-Free Family program!
Download and print out the Smoke-Free Family Declaration and, for motivation, have all family members sign it. If your little ones can’t sign their own names, have them draw a picture. Then put it up where everyone can see it.
3. Get ready for the big day
Do a thorough cleaning of your car and home to eliminate all traces of cigarette smoke. Put away all ashtrays in the house, even the decorative ones. Clean out the car’s ashtray and fill it with sugar-free candies, small change or potpourri.
Set up a place for smokers outside of the house.
- In addition to an ashtray, put out a table and chairs to create a pleasant environment.
- Make sure smoke can’t get inside the house, particularly in summer when the windows are open – ask smokers to go further away from the house if smoke does get in.
Go at your own pace!
- If it’s difficult to adapt to a 100% smoke-free home and car, don’t hesitate to chase out the smoke little by little.
- You could start, for example, by prohibiting smoking in certain rooms, like the living room where the kids play, and gradually include all rooms in the home.
- You could also decide that smoking in the home is banned several days per week. For example, Saturday and Sunday: no more smoke!
4. Take smoke outside!
- It’s the big day! Family and friends are welcome in your 100% smoke-free home… on the condition that the smoke stays outside. Remain firm and polite, and keep your goal in mind: goodbye smoke in the home and car, hello fresh, clean, odour-free air!
- Identify yourselves clearly as a Smoke-Free Family. One way to do this is to download and print out the Take Your Butt Outside mini-poster and put it up at the entrance to your home and in your car. This will inform visitors and passengers of the commitment you’ve made.
- On the actual day, why not highlight the event in a special way, like a family dinner or a little party?
