Hello, welcome

Hi there,

Thank you for contacting us here at Ask Robyn. You are not alone in feeling concerned about your daughter wanting to try vaping, as it is something many parents are worried about at the moment. It is clear how much you care for your daughter and her wellbeing.

Even though it may not feel like it, you are not being the worst dad ever by wanting to prevent your daughter from starting to vape. You are being a caring and responsible parent. It sounds like you are aware of the risks of vaping for a young person, including the potential impact on both physical and mental health.

Preparing for the conversation

It is a positive step to talk to your daughter and to aim for an open and honest conversation. Before you have a chat, think about what you would like to say and the reasons why you do not want her to vape. This may help you feel more prepared. It can also help to make sure you are informed about vaping by focusing on reliable facts rather than common myths.

Choosing the right moment

Pick a good time to talk, when you are both calm and relaxed. You know best when your daughter is most open to a conversation.

Keeping the conversation calm and open

When you begin the conversation, try to stay calm, even though this can be challenging. Remaining calm can help your daughter feel more comfortable opening up and sharing her thoughts. This can also help you better understand her reasons for wanting to vape.

You mentioned that she may feel pressure because her friends are vaping. Peer pressure can be very difficult for young people to manage. Many teenagers seek acceptance from their peers, and it can be hard to be the one who says no. By listening to your daughter, you can create a supportive space and help her build confidence in making her own decisions and understanding that it is okay to say no.

Exploring reasons and consequences

As you learn more about what is influencing her, you could gently discuss how vaping might affect her personally and explore her own reasons for choosing not to vape. Tailoring this to what matters to her can make the conversation more meaningful.

For example:

• If your daughter takes part in sport, vaping can affect lung health and may impact performance
• Many young people care about the environment, and disposable vapes contribute to waste and pollution
• The cost of vaping can add up quickly over time

Supporting informed choices

It sounds like you and your daughter have a positive relationship, where she feels able to be honest with you about the pressures she is experiencing. Continuing to have open, calm and non judgemental conversations can help her feel supported and confident in her choices.

In an Irish context, it may also help to refer to trusted sources such as the HSE (Health Service Executive) and SpunOut.ie, which provide reliable information about vaping and its effects on young people.

Additional support

If you would like to speak to someone about your concerns, you can contact the ISPCC Support Line on 01 522 4300, open Monday to Friday from 9am to 1pm. You can also get in touch by email at [email protected].

Thank you for reaching out, and we wish you and your daughter all the best.

Take care,

Robyn