smoking around playgrounds

Jessica - posted on 06/03/2011

Read again. "...I can read the news there instead of the computer room (which is completely on the other end of the house and well ventilated, the only room I smoke in)". The only thing I read was "I smoke in the house". Unless they keep their computer outside?

Amanda - posted on 06/03/2011

Wow Jessica that was rude, she never said she smoked in her home. She said the only time shes NOT around smokers is in her home. How she is around smokers is that I am sure she has friends that arent family that she hangs out with.

Jessica - posted on 06/02/2011

if you are the only smoker in your family, how are you around smokers non stop? and you smoke IN your house? where your children live, breathe, eat, sleep, etc. really? So I guess smoking in a park where your children are playing is kind of a step up then? I mean at least its outside.

Michelle - posted on 06/02/2011

I am the ONLY smoker in my family, the only one... but there are other things that my parents did that I didn't agree with and I simply don't do them... there are some kids that follow the "do as I say not as I do" thing...

I'm glad you were able to quit cold turkey... I just don't seem to be able to - anytime I try the cold turkey route, I end up smoking more than I did before.... PLUS I'm around smokers non stop (if I'm not just sitting at home)... and that makes it difficult. I honestly do LIKE smoking as disgusting as that sounds... I don't wake up feeling like crap, I liek the taste, the sensation and everything else.... so that's where it's tough for me, that and my "routine" that I"m trying to break. I need to get the newspaper or something so my coffee can be drank at the kitchen table and I can read the news there instead of the computer room (which is completely on the other end of the house and well ventilated, the only room I smoke in)... also with it being nice out I can form a few more projects to help keep me distracted.

I can't believe I'm only 27 and I've been smoking for almost 14 years.... over half of my life.... ugh

Melissa - posted on 06/02/2011

I don't agree with people doing it @ parksclose to children & have told people to put it out or move away from the kids explaining my kids have allergies and i get told off b/c i get told i shouldn't be bringing my kids to parks then. I tell them i asked them politely to either move away or put it out and parks are for children not for smoking.

Jessica - posted on 06/02/2011

I quit cold turkey. you can just quit. absolutely. i think smoking at a park while your kids are playing is so tacky. not to mention children of smokers are more likely to smoke themselves. yes, you are setting a bad example. do as i say, not as i do? I dont think so. not how it works. never has and never will. I quit because I wanted something better for my child.. not to have a stinky gross mom who couldn't play with her because she was busy smoking.

Becky - posted on 06/02/2011

Unfortunately, I seem to run into a lot of those rude, inconsiderate twits that Sharon mentioned! My SIL is one of them. When they came to visit a few weeks ago, not only did she sit on my back deck and smoke while the kids were playing on and around the deck (and while friends of ours had their newborn out on the deck!!!), but then she put her butt in our little pond! Ugh! Thank goodness she lives on the other side of the country and I don't have to see her often! My husband was getting really pissed off, but he didn't want to say anything because he didn't want to start a fight. I wish he would've, because it's his family, and I'm kind of wimp when it comes to them for some reason. Seriously, though, if they come visit again, I'm going to tell him that either he tells his brother to talk to his wife about it, or they're not welcome here!

Michelle - posted on 06/01/2011

I should clairfy that the playground I go to has a walking path around it - you can see the playground the whole length of the path - I walk the path when I smoke - so the majority of the time, I'm nowhere near the play area - when I pass thru for my 15 seconds... I cup my cigarette, make sure it stays away from any nearby kids, and pick up the pace. Like I said, I try to be respectable.

I also don't feel that it's teaching kids that smoking is "ok". My 5 year old understands PERFECTLY that what Mommy is doing is not good... and her and I are teaming up... just as of the last 2 days, to help me to cut down and try and kick it completely out. Not only is it generally unhealthy - but I hate that I have a hard time playing with my daughter without having to stop to catch my breath OR having to take a time out because "Mommy needs a cigarette". That's not fair to either of us. I talked to Jos about it, and she agreed. On Monday I smoked a full pack of smokes, 20 for those of you that don't know. Today, 9 :)

I must have done a good job explaining smoking in the recent years because Jos said "you know you just can't quit right away.... for Yesterday she gave me 7 - and then told me I could have an extra one after she goes to bed. lol Today it started out at 6... but she gave me one for letting her get her hair cut, gave me another for finishing my dinner and told me to go have a glass of wine and a cigarette and play a game on the puter, she's going to bed. And that tomorrow she wasn't going to be so easy on me... she's going to think of a nubmer and tell me in the morning.

I love that she's helping me. After all, it's something I want to do for her. ♥

Chris - posted on 06/01/2011

If it's around where it's going to be blowing around ppl then I would say no, I find it very bothersome and really don't want my kids being exposed to it all that much.

Alexis - posted on 06/01/2011

I hate it! Its not only the 2nd hand smoke but the in my kids face demonstration that smoking is ok. I also view certain provocative clothing, drinking and cussing around a kid specific area, like a playground as not cool either. As long as they keep their distance though I don't say anything, enter the play area with it and I will.

Michelle - posted on 06/01/2011

I"m a smoker... I smoke at playgrounds, beaches, store fronts, parking lots, walking down town, etc etc. I am respectful that others may not like it. I stand as far away as I can while still keeping an eye on my daughter... if someone walks past me I cup the cigarette and put it behind my back so the smoke isn't creeping in their faces....

@Jessica Crawford - I smoke out and about with my kids - I don't her sit on my lap if I'm smoking, tell her to stay away from me, etc, etc....

She knows that smoking is bad, I'm not teaching her anything horrible :)

Teresa - posted on 06/01/2011

If I can smell it at all.... I won't be ok w/ it. I don't like when my kids can smell it at all, but at least they don't go into a massive coughing fit and almost puke. Sorry, I was in the parking lot trying to get the kids ready to leave the beach today and a guy was at his truck smoking 2 cars down and I almost puked cuz I couldn't get away fast enough.



I will always wish that smoking everywhere were illegal. Even though I know it'll never happen.

Jessica - posted on 06/01/2011

im an ex smoker, I dont like when my child is playing and the smoke is blowing at him (he is 1.5yrs) and I can smell it strongly. But people smoke, i dont think you should be banished to a different playground just for parents that smoke ;) Common sense, dont smoke while playing wiht your child, and tyr to stand up wind from the kids and you woud ASSUME people would be ok with it.

Alyssa - posted on 06/01/2011

It is good there is a law about how far someone can smoke from a playground but I don't think it's enough. 10m isn't very far! And I bet if I was to stand 10m away I would get way more dirty looks even though I would be complying with the current law. I always put my butts in a bin or I use my little container that my husband got from work which holds used butts. I don't expect other people to have to suffer because of my habits.

Lady Heather - posted on 06/01/2011

I never actually see people smoking at the playground here but there are butts EVERYWHERE. Maybe it's people just hanging out there later at night. In any case, it's disgusting. And Freja has picked them up twice. I make a big deal of telling her how gross and dirty it is, but she's freaking 2. She's going to pick stuff up. Don't people think of that? I guess more proof that people are stupid.

September - posted on 06/01/2011

How do I feel? Disgusted! It's illegal to smoke at playgrounds where I live as well unless you're 25 feet or more away from the area that the children are playing in. Great law imo! :)

Tania - posted on 06/01/2011

Alyssa we must live in the same area. I was just reading an article about this a couple of hours ago.

I am an ex smoker and can not stand it now. I'm happy about the smoking ban but I alse feel that most parents who are smokers and at the park with their kids are fairly respectful not to do it around other children..

Shannintipton - posted on 06/01/2011

Smoking is an option. Breathing isn't. Like I have said before. : )

Chatty - posted on 06/01/2011

YAY! Glad we all agree......it's happening a lot lately! What's going on?

Jessica - posted on 06/01/2011

smoking in oublic with a child has always embarrassed me. I feel like a terrible mother when I do it, so how are others perceiving me?

Jocelyn - posted on 06/01/2011

I'm a smoker. The only time I smoke at a park is if me and my kids are the only ones there, and even then I stand down wind from them and take my buts with me. But I normally just leave my smokes at home if we're going to the park. If the beach is crowded, I don't smoke. If it's empty, same rules as at the park. Stand down wind, take buts with me.

Teresa - posted on 06/01/2011

The same as I feel when I see anyone smoking anywhere (well, I don't even have to see them). I start coughing and choking and try to get away from the smell before I have to start puffing on my inhaler just to breathe. WHERE they are doesn't make a difference to me.... If I can smell it, I can't breathe.

Sherri - posted on 06/01/2011

I do not like it or approve of it by a park and yes I am a smoker. Do not care if it is in a parking lot and yes I am one who will smoke at the beach. Don't ever throw my butts on the ground though. Once of my biggest pet peeves ever.

Sapphire - posted on 06/01/2011

Time & place for everything! Most of the msokers I know are usually considerate of their surroundings. And if that means a need to smoke near a playground, they tend to smoke far enough away. Of course there are twits who are rude and inconsiderate. A few months ago I actually did ask a smoker whose smoke was blowing right into MY face if she could switch the way she was sitting becasue the smoke was blowing at me. She did apologize, and actually said "I shouldn;t even be smoking here. I should go sit up on that stone wall." I thanked her and said I'd keep an eye on her boy, who was the same age as my son and they were playing together. Most peopel would take offense being asked to go elsewhere to smoke, but you never know a reaction unless you ask. While the playgrounds in the area do not have a NO SMOKING sign, the baseball Little League fields do.

Jenn - posted on 06/01/2011

I don't like it, but I don't know if I'd say I hate it. I've seen people smoking at the park (I'm pretty sure there's a law against that now) and it doesn't really make me angry, but I'd rather they didn't do it.

Tara - posted on 06/01/2011

I'm also a smoker and if I can I don't smoke when I'm out with the kids, I leave my smokes at home and tell myself I have to wait.
But if we're going to be out all day I will go as far as I can to have a few drags, put it out, dispose of the butt in the nearest garbage and if there isn't one I will rip the filter off and stick it back in my pack until I can get to a garbage. I hate seeing butts on the ground anywhere and especially at a playground or other "kid place".
I don't think it's right for moms or dads to sit on the bench beside the swing and puff away while little kids play at their feet.
It just feels wrong to me.

Bonnie - posted on 06/01/2011

I think it is wrong! Other people, especially kids shouldn't have to breathe that stuff in where it's a public place and it isn't expected. I believe we have the same law here that you mentioned Katherine.

Katherine - posted on 06/01/2011

I'm a smoker and I too go as far away as possible. Most of the time I just don't have one though.

Unless we're going to an all day event. It does anger me a lot, they could at least step away ya know? My FIL used to do that. In FACT there is NO smoking on school grounds and he and my ex just lit up. THAT pissed me off.

Dana - posted on 06/01/2011

I used to be a smoker and I'll be honest, I can't stand smelling it anywhere now. It's really annoying when you want to be outside with some fresh air, with your kids and all you can smell is smoke. I would be happy to have it banned at playgrounds altogether.

Amanda - posted on 06/01/2011

I'm a smoker, and I smoke a distance from the play ground. I would be irked if I saw a smoker smoking right on the play ground. I dont smoke near doorways, I do smoke on the local beach, I clean my butts up. Btw I ALWAYS smoke in parking lots (if you dont like my smoking walk farther away from my car), because I have to as its against the law to smoke in my car, here in Ontario.

~♥Little Miss - posted on 06/01/2011

Mary, that is terrible. Since it is across the street from the school, if you bring it up with the principal, I be it would be addressed. Especially since kids are skipping class, and disturbing the peace.

~♥Little Miss - posted on 06/01/2011

I am a smoker....I love smoking. I love having my sixth finger, and when I have quit, I definitely noticed my amputee. On that note, even before I had kids, I tried to be as respectful about smoking as I could. People would walk near me, I would walk even further away, I see kids in an area, I don't go there. I see a pregnant women around, I find another place to light up. I never stand in front of entrances.

Yes, I will have the occassional butt at the beach...far from anyone else, and it goes into a trash can....not buried in the sand. Nothing pisses me off more at a beach than seeing cigarette butts, or dog shit.

Mary - posted on 06/01/2011

I do wish they would make smoking illegal at playgrounds. We have a huge, wonderful playground near us, but you pretty much can't take your kid there after about 2:30pm during the school year. It is across the street from a high school, and a bunch of kids tend to trickle on over there starting at around 2pm (I think a lot of them are cutting that last class). They hang out on the equipment, talking trash, and smoking. They have absolutely no concern for those around them (they are too busy trying to impress us all with how cool they are, with their smokes, obscenities, and attitude). Problem is, even though they are underage to be smokings, that is something that is really only enforced when trying to buy tobacco. I think if smoking were made illegal there, and a couple of them got busted for it, it might get rid of them altogether.

Erin - posted on 06/01/2011

I'm a smoker who would never even consider lighting up at a park or beach. I live on the coast, and while it's illegal to smoke at the beach, some still do. Gross.

Jessica - posted on 06/01/2011

I hate people who smoke at parks, beaches, in front of stores, in parking lots.. anywhere where a chid would potentially be. I am an ex smoker.. but I would never do anything of these things.. and what exactly are you doing smoking at a park while your kids play anyway?

Sarah - posted on 06/01/2011

I'm a smoker, but I wouldn't smoke near a kids playground.
If I'm anywhere with kids around, I'll either go as a far away as I can.......or mostly, I just won't have one at all.

I'll be honest though, if I saw someone smoking near a playground, I wouldn't be fuming with rage about it or anything, so long as they weren't blowing ssmoke in the kids faces, it wouldn't really bother me.

Alfreda - posted on 05/31/2011

It makes me really upset. Not everyone want that around their children....

Amber - posted on 05/31/2011

It pisses me off too! As well as at the beach. Not only is it putting smoke around my child, who has allergies and asthmatic symptoms, but people just toss their still burning butts on the ground!
Really?!? Because it couldn't burn any of the children running around, could it? Especially at the beach (we have a park there) where kids are barefoot. Even after the butts burn out, a kid can pick up that nasty, germ infested butt. Disgusting, dangerous, and unhealthy. Yep...I'm all for it. Oy.

Becky - posted on 05/31/2011

It pisses me off. You want to give yourself cancer, fine. Keep it away from me and my kids!