Question: Allow Kids to Have a Cigar

[matalo]

Having a discussion on the chat room helped me come up with this question.

My sons, specifically, the two older ones have wanted to have a cigar for the longest time. The oldest is 17, second oldest 15.

I told them when they turn 18. But I am really not sure if this is a good thing or not. As long as they do not smoke cigarettes, I really do not care. But I wanted to get everyone else's opinion on this.

Allow or not?

[RX2010]

it's gonna happen sooner or later.

get them started right, and educate them on why you feel a cigar is a better alternative to a cigarette

[matalo]

it's gonna happen sooner or later.

get them started right, and educate them on why you feel a cigar is a better alternative to a cigarette

I have to agree 100%, but am just "scared" for lack of a better word.

[RX2010]

that's totally understandable, I don't have any kids, but I already wonder how I'm going to handle the whole cigar thing

neither of my parents smoke anything, I still got into it for whatever reason

[ToranoFan]

Let me them try. They may not like them at all, but atleast they wont have peer pressure to contend with. Chances are they wont know what all the fuss is about and never touch them again.

On the other hand they might develop a liking for them and you will have to buy a second humidor :D . Aslong as you dont stop them, they wont rebell and try other things.

[cvm4]

Double-edged sword right there. The wifey might not be too happy with it. But on the other hand, it is their decision.

[smokey the bear]

I would wait until they are 18 and then smoke one with them.

[tobby4]

I say wait until they are 18, and and then share one with them....

[tedski]

Educate them in more ways than one.

Tell them that current Texas law states that you cannot purchase tobacco until you are 18, so that's when they can partake. If they don't like this restriction, then encourge them to become familiar with the ways laws are made and changed. There is no age restriction on lobbying for change. Also encourge them to do some research on the pros and cons of tobacco smoking. The internet makes this process quick and easy.

[matalo]

When "The Dude" speaks, listen.

So far, great advice.

[CWS]

I can only go by my own experience. It was a right of passage thing. We planned it all the way and when my son turned 18 we sat down and had a cigar. He may have tried them before but I can tell you that was one of the best cigars either of us had smoked.

[Halon]

Give them a big strong stick and tell them that they can smoke it, but they have to smoke the whole thing. That's what my dad did when I was younger, and I didn't touch another cigar (or much else for that matter) until I was 18!


TYLER

[RX2010]

Give them a big strong stick and tell them that they can smoke it, but they have to smoke the whole thing. That's what my dad did when I was younger, and I didn't touch another cigar (or much else for that matter) until I was 18!


TYLER

I was just about to say, give em each a JDN Antano, tell them they have to smoke the entire thing and see if they want to smoke again... as an alternative

[matalo]

To elaborate I had even planned on buying a five pack of Opus or VSG's to celebrate each of my kids 18th, but am thinking the strength might be too much for them

[Halon]

You can definitely still do a special cigar on their 18th birthday and it'll be very memorable. The point of giving them a cigar early is to keep them away from smoking before the 18th. Once they're old enough they can make their own responsible decisions regarding tobacco (and other things, but we're talking about tobacco). So I don't think that one cigar before their 18th will spoil the whole rite of passage that comes on the big day.


TYLER

[CWS]

To elaborate I had even planned on buying a five pack of Opus or VSG's to celebrate each of my kids 18th, but am thinking the strength might be too much for them

Good instinct. The Opus will blow them away. We smoked a AF Don CArlos. Perfect first cigar. He even pretended it was his first. SInce then we have done the Big Smoke togather a now do regular box splits.

[Halon]

That's pretty cool, Chuck. My dad is taking me to the Big Smoke in Vegas this year for my 21st birthday and I can't wait! It looks like so much fun!


TYLEr

[jrohrer]

i agree...make it a right of passage kind of a thing

wait until their 18, and make a memory out of it. Once their that age they can make their own decision, and sharing one of your passions with them will go miles (beyond the whole smoking a cigar thing). In my mind, it should be more about the rite of passage and the memory. Definately make it a 'special' smoke, and then if after that, they are still interested, then educate them and make it about the cigars

just my $.02 though!

[CWS]

That's pretty cool, Chuck. My dad is taking me to the Big Smoke in Vegas this year for my 21st birthday and I can't wait! It looks like so much fun!


TYLEr

This was one of the best times we have had togather. First time just him and me in Vegas. Last few times we went with a group.

[Headbanger]

For me and the wife, we pick carefully which battles or which issues about growing up we hold firm on and which ones we give some to our 9 year old daughter. Depending on your situation, smoking a cigar or two occasionally with your boys while there under your roof does not seem all that bad to me. Sharing an experience with them will build another bond too.

[dre]

I say go for it. you know those lil kids are out gettin drunk as hell every weekend anyway. I think at their age they have probably smoked a cig weather they admit it to you or not. I think you gettin in there and educating them that a cigar is a experiance not a high would be great for them. Just make it something lighter cause you dont want to scare them off (or maybe you do) I would sugest a smaller cigar like a short story. Whatever you do im sure it will be a good decision as you know your family better than any of us. let us know bud.

[goin' fer smoke]

I would definately educate them, but explain the laws and though "breaking" them is not a cause for being sent to the slammer, in this case, laws are there for a reason (for the most part) which casues a structured society to operate without falling into disorder and chaos, and that respecting the laws is what is important.

It is being true to yourself, only you know everything you have done... it used to be your word was everything and so many people seem to have forgotten it... get them some material on cigars, cigar making etc. let them read it... with the understanding that they must wait until they are 18 and then you will be more than happy to "introduce" them to this fantastic, hobby/lifestyle/addiction!!!

[jmatkins]

it's gonna happen sooner or later.

get them started right, and educate them on why you feel a cigar is a better alternative to a cigarette

I started smoking cigars when I was 19 and did not have any guidance or info. So I started w/Dutch Masters, and other machine made cigars which almost turned me off. I say educate them on the good and bad and let them decide on how to go. My son is only 10 months old but I will start looking for a few good cigars to age in a few years to share with him one day. However I would always be mindful of the wife since she can make everyones life worse.

[Professor Twain]

I say go for it. you know those lil kids are out gettin drunk as hell every weekend anyway. .

Seriously, they have probably already smoked the Wacky Tobaccy with their friends by this age...

I've got kids that are now 20 and 17. We shared our first cigars together on the golf course when they were 12 and 15. We have enjoyed cigars together on special occasions ever since. It is a chance for some male bonding and they have not turned into cigar smoking drug fiends, both are outstanding students.

I would rather have my sons smoke fine cigars with me in a cordial atmosphere than to have them sneaking off smoking god knows what with their friends.

[caudio51]

What is with the 18 bit??

Does that mean your kids really won't drink until they are 21???

I had my first cigar around 15 or so. I did not start smoking then regularly until around 20 or so.

I think it will be respected more by your kids if you teach them to respect it and not hold it from them

[matalo]

Hmmm....Interesting point.

I think I might let them indulge when I get back home next week.

I have been away from them for a month and I think this might be a good way to bond.