Kids, what you write can encourage mom or dad to quit smoking for good

Many kids wish their parents were smoke-free but don’t know the best ways to go about helping mom and dad put their cigarettes down for good. Now youngsters have another weapon in their arsenal: an essay contest that rewards kids for their ideas on ways to help a parent quit smoking.

The "CHAMPSS Help Parents Quit Smoking" contest is part of a national campaign called Children Helping and Motivating Parents to Stop Smoking. Kids ages 13-18 can log onto www.champss.org and explain in 100 words or less what they did or plan to do to help their parent or another adult smoker in their lives to quit.

"Kids can and do make a difference in adults’ lives," said Danny McGoldrick, director of research for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. "Not only does research show that kids often influence a parent’s decision to quit smoking, studies also have shown that when parents quit, their children become less likely to start smoking and more likely to quit if they already smoke; so it’s really a win-win situation."

Three contest finalists will receive $1,500 cash scholarships. One grand prize winner will receive a $5,000 cash scholarship and a trip for two to Washington, D.C., where he or she will be recognized at the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids 2004 Youth Advocates of the Year Award Ceremonies on May 5. All contest entries must be postmarked or submitted online by 11:59 p.m. (Eastern time) Feb. 20. Limit one entry per person.

"We are thrilled to be a part of this contest, as it is directly in line with our mission of building a healthier future for our children by reducing smoking and other tobacco use," said McGoldrick. "We want to reward those kids who have found successful methods for helping their parents stop smoking, and also provide other kids with the knowledge, tools and inspiration they may need to support their parents through a quit attempt."

For official rules or how to enter the "CHAMPSS Help Parents Quit Smoking" contest, or to learn more about helping someone you love quit smoking, visit www.champss.org or send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to CHAMPSS Contest, P.O. Box 804, Southport, CT 06890-0804.

This story was provided by the North American Precis Syndicate.