A Question for Parents of Little Kids...
- Thread starter guerillapiper
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I posted a picture of my little guy (he's 3) with the mini corn cob I picked up as a joke from MM. I'm not comfortable with encouraging the habit, but I think if he decides when he's an adult that he wants to try it then I suppose that's his choice. I'm smoking because of memories of both of my grandfathers, perhaps he'll do the same out of memories of me when he's older. I think I would disuade him until he's a fair bit older, I started this at 38.
I agree Jud, I don't think encouraging them to be a pipe smoker is necessarily good parenting. If he decides to do it on his own, when he's an adult capable of making that decision then perhaps we'll be able to enjoy a bowl together.
I have two young daughters and I wouldn't encourage nor do I expect them to want to smoke a pipe, but if they should want, they would have to wait until they're 18. Then it's up to them.
Smoking a pipe suits me perfectly, but I wouldn't go out of my way to convert my daughters or anyone else for that matter, mainly because this is not something that will suit everyone.
I would however actively discourage cigarette smoking. To me, the two are very different.
Smoking a pipe suits me perfectly, but I wouldn't go out of my way to convert my daughters or anyone else for that matter, mainly because this is not something that will suit everyone.
I would however actively discourage cigarette smoking. To me, the two are very different.
+1 Six, seems counterintuitive to most but I couldn't agree more. The chemicals and crap in the cigarettes as well as the inhaling makes the two significantly different. Most people I've talked to however feel thats just justification on my part.
"...I wouldn't encourage nor do I expect them to want to smoke a pipe..."
I completely agree. But if they wanted to learn to smoke a pipe, I'd be proud to lead them along.
I completely agree. But if they wanted to learn to smoke a pipe, I'd be proud to lead them along.
I find that kids pretty much end up doing the opposite of their parents. I know I did. So I try to set the worst example. Part of rearing well rounded kids. Ever notice the kids that get into the most trouble often come from puritanical homes? Today puritanical means Politically Correct homes. Pop smokes! Deal with it! They can have it out with me on my death bed dying of emphysema if that day should ever arrive. Till then I say shut yer pie hole.
My oldest son who is 22 smokes a pipe on occasion and he enjoys it. I never encouraged him but he knows it is much better than smoking cigarettes which he also does. I have always told my kids they need to make their own decisions in life and to live with the consequences. Once they turn 18 they can do whatever they feel is right. I would much rather see my kids smoking a pipe than cigarettes any day.
Right or wrong, I do make the distinction with my two young lads between cigarettes and pipes and cigars. I also discuss the concept of moderation. As well, I try to show them, through example, one can enjoy a glass of beer or wine and not necessarily be an inveterate drunk.
I take after my dad and his dad, though my dad smoked far more than gramps or me,
continuously for decades, pipes and cigars, but mostly pipes. I guess I'd avoid too
much second-hand smoke with kids. They get bugs and sometimes have coughs
and such. Kids watch how parents do with health and aging and make their own
call despite what we do or tell them, of course.
continuously for decades, pipes and cigars, but mostly pipes. I guess I'd avoid too
much second-hand smoke with kids. They get bugs and sometimes have coughs
and such. Kids watch how parents do with health and aging and make their own
call despite what we do or tell them, of course.
cigrmaster - Couldn't agree more. I think this is one of those common sense things that a lot of todays parents [and kids] don't get. They would rather whine about their "situation" than take responsibility for it.
Brewshooter - Another excellent point. I am back to brewing beer kits on a regular basis and enjoy sitting down with a beer or two on Fri/Sat evening but I don't drink to excess. I may even enjoy a single beer during a weekday evening while relaxing by the woodstove. Back along the lines of kashmir's point, I would rather expose them to responsible drinking than shelter them from it.
However, I am quite the opposite with my smoking of pipes and cigars. I do enjoy them in moderation, but never around the kids (all younger, for at least a little while longer). Seems a bit hypocritical, I know, and it is something that I have wrestled with since I started smoking pipes (only recently). I don't think they would appreciate the reasons for enjoying the hobby, right now they still want to be like me and I think that would sway their decision. I would prefer that they decide for themselves when they are older. I'm sure they will try cigarettes.. I did.. Enjoyed them for a few years before I came to my senses. I am quite vocal with my disgust for them now, which leads to some debates (usually with my wife) where I can explain to people the difference between pipes/cigars and cigarettes (she insists that they are both bad, and I suppose she is right).
Anyways... this has been on my mind for a while... Thanks guerillapiper for starting the discussion. I guess my answer to your question is, when they are old enough if they decide to take it up, I would assist them with the hobby. I would even suggest it to dissuade them (or anyone!) from smoking cigarettes.
I have three boys 7mo to 7 years, I have gotten each of them their own pipe (years pipes, or something they may like when older)..My oldest doesnt seem to care about them one way or the other. My middle cant keep his hands off my pipes. One day when they can have them if they smoke em or leave them on a shelf that will be up to them.
Agreed Meltdown, I've been wrestling with this for several months now. My kids are 10 and 3, and my little guy wants to be just like me (poor kid). I suppose I can look at it like this, my Dad smoked cigarettes my whole childhood and into my teenage years. I've never smoked a cigarette in my life and never even wanted to try it. The thought repulses me. However there is an art and a thoughfulness with pipes, and a sense of the good old days and slowing down to concentrate on what is important. The contemplative nature of pipe smoking is what appeals to me, here's hoping I can somehow translate that to my kids.
I believe there are far worse things in life one can do then smoking a pipe. I disagree trying to actively persuade anyone let alone my children in doing such a thing. However if either one of my kids wanted to learn how after 18 I would certainly teach them. As of right now it is not against the law and as adults I would respect any law abiding decision they make.
Good point. You see your dad smoked cigarettes and you don't. My dad was a runner and never smoked anything in his life. I ended up smoking everything! LOL. They say habits and lifestyles skip generations. Besides I rationalize for kids to grow up properly well rounded they need to be exposed to the good, bad and the ugly. How else are they supposed to learn right from wrong?
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