Getting support from family and friends
The support and encouragement of friends and family is important, but sometimes others can set back your efforts. If you do talk to your friends and family about your quitting, explain how they can help - for example, ask them not to offer you cigarettes if they smoke, or to be patient if you are a bit irritable at first.
Your smoking can affect the health of those around you in a number of ways. The best way to improve your own health and ensure the health of your friends and family is to quit smoking.
Friends
Quitting smoking will give you more energy to play sport and keep up with your friends. You'll also have more confidence, and freedom from having to sneak away from your non-smoking friends and family for a cigarette.
Babies
If you or your partner is pregnant, quitting smoking will give your child the best chance of health and success. Make your car and home smokefree. Call the Quitline on 13 7848 for tailored information about quitting smoking and pregnancy.
After the birth, it is important that you do not smoke inside your home or car, or near your baby when outside.
Children
Parents are role models for children. Once you quit smoking you will set a great example to the children around you and reduce the chance that they will take up smoking later in life.
As a non-smoker you will have more confidence and energy to play with your kids. You'll also have more money to spend on doing fun stuff with your family and friends.
Smoking kills 1 in 4 smokers in middle age. For many, this is at a time when their kids are still growing up. Quitting now will increase your chances of being there as your children become adults.