Tobacco use is a childhood disease. Most current smokers began to use tobacco before and during their teen years. If you smoke, stop.

Although kicking the habit may be hard when you start, you'll improve the quality of your life and your children's lives exponentially once the habit is broken. Remember that children follow their parents' example.

Experimenting with alcohol and recreactional drugs can also start before the teen years. As parents you need to learn the facts about drug and alcohol abuse so you can share them with your children. By teaching them the risks up front, before they're pressured by their peer group, you prepare them for making the right choice at the right time. If you make a smoke-free pledge with your children, you'll benefit as a family together. A Spanish-language version is also available.

School's can help by using visual aids, such as posters, to spread the message about finding help to quit smoking.