I reluctantly let mine start at 15. But before I did, I thoroughly explained possible future consequences; possible health risks, cravings at the most inconvenient of times, expense. I didn't have to explain what a pleasure smoking could be; she had already found that out for herself. What pushed me to go ahead and let her smoke was the fear that if I didn't willingly let her smoke, and subsequently provide her with cigarettes, that she'd do it anyway behind my back, and get cigarettes from the wrong crowd. At least this way, I was in control. |