Re: POLL: spinoff to smoking (anonymous)

Well, we don't have kids yet but DH won't even smoke when I'm in the car much less when there is a child in the car.

Re: POLL: spinoff to smoking (anonymous)

i know its a small number---but i can't believe that 3 people answered this poll "what's the big deal?"

whoever you are---i pity your children.

Re: POLL: spinoff to smoking (anonymous)

I think it's incredibly selfish to smoke in the car with other people - especially children. Honestly, what does that say about the smoker's priorities?

And, while people don't want to believe it, even exposure to just the second hand smoke of a few cigarettes IS harmful. I had an uncle who was allowed to smoke around us when we were growing up. (Different times...) Clearly, since this was an uncle, this was fairly infrequent. One of my brothers and I were constantly sick with ear infections, bronchitis, and other ailments. Years later, our doctors determined (separate doctors, btw) that the smoke played a major factor in our health when we were young. We are probably particularly sensitive / allergic to tobacco smoke, but no one knew that at the time... I won't even get started on the idea that it puts kids at a higher risk for diabetes, heart disease, etc...

I don't have kids, but smoking isn't a behavior I'd want kids to be observing at a young age either... However, not being a parent, it's totally not my call. I do, however, feel that smoking around children (or anyone who is a nonsmoker or objects to it) is incredibly selfish.

ETF typo.

Message edited 3/7/2008 2:23:47 PM.

Re: POLL: spinoff to smoking (anonymous)

One thing I learned about smoking is it must be powerfully addicting since parents know the affects & still smoke around their children.

I know most of you say you would never do it, never allow anyone to do it to your child. I can tell you when dealing with family members that smoke, it's an entirely different matter.

I was furious, steadfast in my conviction as well. It was an ongoing argument - actually one of the top 3 biggest arguments of my marriage.

Do you ban your children from your IL's house?

Do you ban your children from your parents' home?

What do you do when your DH smokes & will not go outside? Granted mine did, but I know there are plenty of people that feel it is their home too.

I see some very strongly worded posts. I agree it is disgusting & selfish. But what do you do when it is your spouse? Do you fight every day of your marriage? It is his child too. He has equal say in your child's life. Do you leave your husband over it? Keeping in mind if you did leave, he gets some custody.

You can say you would never marry someone like that but let's say your DH started smoking or returned to it? Then what?

Re: POLL: spinoff to smoking (anonymous)

I don't have children and I don't smoke so that should answer the poll.

I can't believe with all the knowledge we have know about the risks associated with smoking that people still continue to do it. I have seen cigarette packs that say on them SMOKING CAUSES A SLOW AND PAINFUL DEATH yet people continue to buy them. Furthermore anyone that smokes with their child in their car is selfish. The smoke lingers in the car and everything stinks even after just one cigarette.

When I was in elementary school I always knew the kids who had parents that smoked. Their coat always smelled and I would hate it if it was hung up by mine, I would move my coat if they put theirs anywhere near mine.

Re: POLL: spinoff to smoking (anonymous)

Re: POLL: spinoff to smoking (anonymous)

I said other because I don't have a child and I'm not a smoker but if I was, HELL NO!!!

Re: POLL: spinoff to smoking (anonymous)

Neither of us are smokers. I do not let anyone smoke in my car-now or before DS. I cannot stand cigarette smoke

ETA: My MIL smokes. SHe thinks by being in the kitchen with the exhaust fan on it's okay. It's so NOT okay. DH asked her to stop-she wanted to know why, he said "B/C we want Troy (DS) to know his gramma" She just rolled her eyes. As a pp stated, what are we to do, not let her see DS? She does not smoke in our house, she goes outside, as do my mom and step-dad. These are the only family that smoke.

Message edited 3/7/2008 3:25:27 PM.

Re: POLL: spinoff to smoking (anonymous)

For the people who said it is "no big deal"...please explain how subjecting your children to carcinogens (sp) is "no big deal"

I am shocked and saddened...it's not like the option said "yes, I smoke, but I know it is bad and I am trying to stop", etc

But to say it is NO BIG DEAL????????/

Re: POLL: spinoff to smoking (anonymous)

Posted by stephanief

For the people who said it is "no big deal"...please explain how subjecting your children to carcinogens (sp) is "no big deal"

I am shocked and saddened...it's not like the option said "yes, I smoke, but I know it is bad and I am trying to stop", etc

But to say it is NO BIG DEAL????????/

Re: POLL: spinoff to smoking (anonymous)

Posted by stephanief

For the people who said it is "no big deal"...please explain how subjecting your children to carcinogens (sp) is "no big deal"

I am shocked and saddened...it's not like the option said "yes, I smoke, but I know it is bad and I am trying to stop", etc

But to say it is NO BIG DEAL????????/

Re: POLL: spinoff to smoking (anonymous)

Posted by Marcie
I guess that would be ME, right?
Cause I am the only saying ANYTHING different than anyone else here.

So read above, I explained.

Handful of times. Whatever it happens, I am not going to FIGHT, CURSE, What have you - with my DH, cause he wanted to smoke on our LONG 21 hour car ride to FL, and back.

Just let me ask you a question, do you go out to eat with your child, do you walk in and out of malls with your child (or even stores), what have you?

You walk through the smoke cloud, is that unacceptable too?

I am not saying it is the best decision it happens, whatever, I am not going to cry, scream, throw a tantrum. Not worth it in my opinion.

Re: POLL: spinoff to smoking (anonymous)

Posted by Marcie

Posted by stephanief

For the people who said it is "no big deal"...please explain how subjecting your children to carcinogens (sp) is "no big deal"

I am shocked and saddened...it's not like the option said "yes, I smoke, but I know it is bad and I am trying to stop", etc

But to say it is NO BIG DEAL????????/

I guess that would be ME, right?
Cause I am the only saying ANYTHING different than anyone else here.

So read above, I explained.

Handful of times. Whatever it happens, I am not going to FIGHT, CURSE, What have you - with my DH, cause he wanted to smoke on our LONG 21 hour car ride to FL, and back.

Just let me ask you a question, do you go out to eat with your child, do you walk in and out of malls with your child (or even stores), what have you?

You walk through the smoke cloud, is that unacceptable too?

I am not saying it is the best decision it happens, whatever, I am not going to cry, scream, throw a tantrum. Not worth it in my opinion.

Re: POLL: spinoff to smoking (anonymous)

Posted by Christine

Posted by stephanief

For the people who said it is "no big deal"...please explain how subjecting your children to carcinogens (sp) is "no big deal"

I am shocked and saddened...it's not like the option said "yes, I smoke, but I know it is bad and I am trying to stop", etc

But to say it is NO BIG DEAL????????/

I don't know if people actually feel it's no big dea - that was an editorial of the op. If you smoke in your car with kids, it was the only poll option that applied.

Re: POLL: spinoff to smoking (anonymous)

Re: POLL: spinoff to smoking (anonymous)

Posted by Marcie

Posted by stephanief

For the people who said it is "no big deal"...please explain how subjecting your children to carcinogens (sp) is "no big deal"

I am shocked and saddened...it's not like the option said "yes, I smoke, but I know it is bad and I am trying to stop", etc

But to say it is NO BIG DEAL????????/

I guess that would be ME, right?
Cause I am the only saying ANYTHING different than anyone else here.

So read above, I explained.

Handful of times. Whatever it happens, I am not going to FIGHT, CURSE, What have you - with my DH, cause he wanted to smoke on our LONG 21 hour car ride to FL, and back.

Just let me ask you a question, do you go out to eat with your child, do you walk in and out of malls with your child (or even stores), what have you?

You walk through the smoke cloud, is that unacceptable too?

I am not saying it is the best decision it happens, whatever, I am not going to cry, scream, throw a tantrum. Not worth it in my opinion.

Re: POLL: spinoff to smoking (anonymous)

Somking in the car with your child is one of the stupidest things EVER to do!!!!!!

I was at a red light one day and the woman behind me just lit up with her baby in the back in a carseat. I wanted to rip her out of the car and smash her head..

ETS: DH smokes, I have a cig once in a while. NEVER in front of or in the car with my child though.

Message edited 3/7/2008 3:54:19 PM.

Re: POLL: spinoff to smoking (anonymous)

Mu husband is a heavy smoker and he would NEVER EVER EVER smoke around DS never mind in the car...I asked him about this and he said that it is extremely selfish of the people who do...even if its one time.

Re: POLL: spinoff to smoking (anonymous)

I think there is a huge difference between it happening occassionally and the people you see lighting up with NO consideration whatsoever.

my comments and thoughts are about those that don't give a rats arse. don't open windows. who's childrens clothes and hair REEK of smoke.

is a few times worth fighting with your husband over? probably not, especially if he's aware and taking some kind of precaution (allowing for air, etc)

b/c the effects of smoking are largely internal and happen over time, it's hard to see them as being as immediately dangerous as drunk driving.

a smoker and an alcoholic are simply not looked at the same. though both are addictive and cause massive health problems. the efects of alcohol can be immediately deadly, and I think that difference is a biggie.

Re: POLL: spinoff to smoking (anonymous)

I don't have any children yet but no one is allowed to smoke in my house or my car and I would be pretty ticked if anyone smoked near my child. I get very annoyed when I am out and I can smell ciggarettes. If I can smell it that it can be doing me any good.

Re: POLL: spinoff to smoking (anonymous)

Re: POLL: spinoff to smoking (anonymous)

Posted by DaniRella

Posted by Ophelia

I don't want to sound rude but wouldn't it be better for all involved if he just pulled over?

I am sure he hangs himself out that far b/c he feels bad and he knows how unhealthy it can be for your daughter.

I know it's an addiction and not easy to just "wait" with the urges...

but he is also potentially putting himself in harms away...especially putting his head out the window on the road!

I agree with this 100%

Even just one time is inexcusable, IMHO.

ETA: I am not a smoker, I would never do that if I was. I think it should be illegal and when I see people doing it - it literally makes me sick to my stomach. Like an above poster said - harm yourself, spare others - esp your children.

Re: POLL: spinoff to smoking (anonymous)

For those who don't think it's a big deal...

From the National Cancer Institute:

Children exposed to secondhand smoke are at an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), ear infections, colds, pneumonia, bronchitis, and more severe asthma. Being exposed to secondhand smoke slows the growth of children’s lungs and can cause them to cough, wheeze, and feel breathless (4).



Here's a few of the things your children are being exposed to:

Yes. Of the more than 4,000 chemicals that have been identified in secondhand tobacco smoke, at least 250 are known to be harmful, and 50 of these are known to cause cancer. These chemicals include (1):

arsenic (a heavy metal toxin)
benzene (a chemical found in gasoline)
beryllium (a toxic metal)
cadmium (a metal used in batteries)
chromium (a metallic element)
ethylene oxide (a chemical used to sterilize medical devices)
nickel (a metallic element)
polonium–210 (a chemical element that gives off radiation)
vinyl chloride (a toxic substance used in plastics manufacture)

Re: POLL: spinoff to smoking (anonymous)

Posted by dono426

Posted by DaniRella

Posted by Ophelia

I don't want to sound rude but wouldn't it be better for all involved if he just pulled over?

I am sure he hangs himself out that far b/c he feels bad and he knows how unhealthy it can be for your daughter.

I know it's an addiction and not easy to just "wait" with the urges...

but he is also potentially putting himself in harms away...especially putting his head out the window on the road!

I agree with this 100%

Even just one time is inexcusable, IMHO.

ETA: I am not a smoker, I would never do that if I was. I think it should be illegal and when I see people doing it - it literally makes me sick to my stomach. Like an above poster said - harm yourself, spare others - esp your children.

Let's remember its not illegal and its someone's right to smoke if they want to.

Re: POLL: spinoff to smoking (anonymous)