SMOKING AND DRINKING

This is probably a very sore subject for many but I will tell you what I think. There is a time and place for everything, but with smoking there is never a time or place around your children. EVER. When I was young smoking was not recognized as a health hazard to the person smoking and for the people around them. Now it is a proven fact. Why then, do I see mothers and fathers smoking in their car with their precious children sitting beside them? They have no voice to tell them that the smoke is irritating their throats and that they keep getting "unexplained" ear infections. If you plan on having kids, do yourself and your children a favor and QUIT. Even if you go outside and smoke and come back in, you are going to smell like an ash tray. Do you want your child to smell smoke and immediately associate it with you? If you smoke, eventually your kids will think it is ok to smoke. All the lecturing in the world will not convince them that it is appropriate for you and not for them. After all, most kids want to be just like their Mom and Dad.  Drinking is another problem that needs to be addressed. I myself don't get the big attraction to alcohol and parties. If you are going to get together with your friends, don't you want to have a conversation that you will both remember? If you want to have a party where there is going to be alot of drinking, have an adult party. There should be no alcohol served if you are having a children's party. All adults should be on their best behavior around their children, and not compromise their position as the adult authority. No child should have to witness their parent having too much to drink. It will probably come back to haunt you someday. Most children whose parents drink think that it is acceptable and will probably follow suit. The smartest thing that you can do is to show your children that having fun at a party is to talk to good friends, laugh, and just be yourself. Drinking to have a good time is something you should never teach your children. Lead by example.