Has anyone had to tell their family members not to smoke around their recently diagnosed children? I am worried about having to tell some of our family members they can't smoke around her or they won't be able to see her. I know this will be devistating. Any suggestions or stories I might be able to relate to??
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Family members and smoking
- Thread starter anonymous
- Start date
CFHockeyMom
New member
Yes, we had to. My husband's grandfather was an avid pipe smoker. We had to tell him that unless he could refrain from smoking while we visited, we wouldn't be visiting. In addition, for all family gatherings we verified in advance that he would not be allowed to smoke in the house where the gathering was being held. Most of the time he was accomodating however, one Christmas, he refused to go out into the garage to smoke (too cold) and my husband had to tell him that if he didn't we'd be leaving. It almost turned into a scene but not quite.
Honestly, we've had more trouble with people bringing sick kids to family gatherings than smoking be an issue. Either way people's inconsideration for others continues to astound me.
Honestly, we've had more trouble with people bringing sick kids to family gatherings than smoking be an issue. Either way people's inconsideration for others continues to astound me.
Emily65Roses
New member
As devastating as it might be, you really need to. My whole family was told shortly after I was diagnosed, to my knowledge. When there are parties at my house, people have to go outside to smoke. My whole family knows it, and while it may be upsetting, it's really necessary.
People know that CANNOT smoke in our house and I have recently told my mother and mother in law that even if they smoke outside, the smoke on their clothes, hair, skin and breath are bothersome to my son as well. We'll see how well they remember that. We have a problem going to family gatherings at other's houses that do smoke indoors. It bothers the heck out of me so I know it bothers him. We end up sitting alone in another room in the house until it's time to go.
I know a family that hangs a sign on the door and tells all visitors to wash their hands before playing with the kids (CF).
I know a family that hangs a sign on the door and tells all visitors to wash their hands before playing with the kids (CF).
C
CFlat
Guest
Only my side of the family smokes. I told my parents that this should be a reason for them to give up a habit that they have been trying to give up for so long. My parents feel quilty sometimes because they know they were given good lungs and their granddaughter has a CF. It was never an issue just something that was understood, they will respect your choice.
Avery w/cf 20-months, Rhett carrier 3-months
Avery w/cf 20-months, Rhett carrier 3-months
Part of learning about CF as a parent has involved my learning how to nicely ask others to consider my son's health. If your family really loves you and your child, they shouldn't be offended by you asking them to smoke outside. It's for the good of your child. If they take offense to it, it's really their problem, not yours.
Carey
Carey
Emily was diagnosed at two days but came home from the hospital about 10 days later after surgery and a stay in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit. We never actually had to say "No smoking in the House" to anyone. The whole family just didn't do it. (not that there are that many smokers to begin with) To this day, the smokers go outside at family gatherings to smoke (even when it's 20 degrees out) BUT I wonder now if Grandma might not have said something to everyone without our knowing it.....what do you think Em?
Emily65Roses
New member
I didn't know Grandma as well as you. I don't really remember her much. Your guess is probably better than mine. She may have.
blindhearted
New member
my family knew not to smoke around me since the day I was born. My father stopped smoking (17yrs w/ 2 pks a day) cold-turkey the day i was born. So he and my mom made sure everyone knew not to smoke in our house or around me, from family to health care workers. When I would have sleepovers with my cousins, if their parents smoked, when I was there they would step outside of their own house. I felt bad about having to make someone go out of their own home, but I knew why and glad they would do that. Some people I work with smoke and I asked them not to smoke around me or in the building the days I go to work because even if I'm not there early, when i did come it the smoke was in the air and after a few months I could tell a change in my breathing. They agreed without a problem, the fact they are nurses and understand my disease probably helps. My breathing got better a few weeks later. And like Debbie I cough if someone who smells of smoke sits near me. Basically, you might think it will be devistating, but if you explain it...telling them they are endangering your child's life, they should do it. Nothing is more important than your child's health. Not even family's feelings.