Parent Talk

Each week, our Parents Council of experts takes your questions, gives advice and shares solutions.

Moms, dads, grandparents and the diverse families who make up our community will have a new resource for questions about local neighborhood schools, the best pediatricians, 24-hour pharmacies and the thousands of other issues that arise while raising children.

This week’s question is:

State Assemblyman David Weprin, D-Little Neck, and State Sen. Toby Stavisky, D-Whitestone, have introduced a bill that would prevent smoking in vehicles in which children, ages 14 and below, are riding. What do you believe are some other health/safety measures that should be taken by parents who smoke to ensure that their kids are not negatively affected by their habit?

Judy Vincent

Quit. Nothing short of that is going to protect them. Smoking outside or in another room doesn't work. Smoke gets on clothing and on the body and that comes into contact with our children.

Also parents should think twice about leaving children with babysitters or other adults in their homes that smoke.