Mom found out.

[Ketsuban]

I'm not even sure what else to say. My parents are very old school and they don't understand new tech as well as they should.

I was able to hide my cigarette smoking from them while I was in college as I lived out of state. She was in my house and saw the box for the Kanger Aerotank and the little bottles of juice when she opened up my drawer and asked me about it.

So I tried explaining that my eGo with the evod and my iTaste MVP with the aerotank are types of electronic cigarettes. She didn't believe me. She thinks that cigalikes are electronic cigs, which they are, but she incorrectly thinks these types of personal vaporizers aren't. I think my big ol box mod scared her, and the drip tip was confusing to her. She was accusing me of doing stupid stuff. While I agree smoking cigarettes was a stupid thing for me to do, the challenge is getting her to believe the truth that this is much safer.

I tried explaining that the juice gets heated up by the atomizer creating water vapor, and that the juice does have some nicotine in it (16mg in my blends), and that the juice I'm vaping is VG. She's really worried about my health and I told her that all I'm getting is the nicotine, and not the other 3000 (random number, I don't know the exact, nor would I like to know) chemicals that are found in cigarettes like the arsenic and the tar. I demonstrated that not a trace is left after all the vapor dissipates, but I'm wondering if she's thinking that this is too good to be true.

I think I need to bring up the fact that this is also much safer than cigars, which my dad smokes on occasion, but of course, it's perfectly okay when he does it.

What else should I say? I know my dad usually has more of a level head about things and I'll try explaining to him, but it's hard trying to explain things to someone who's very set in her ways and is very ignorant of other things. She listens to fox news all day long and is a die hard conservative who is very closed minded - even my bisexuality is a problem to her, so explaining this is also just as hard because she's so straight edge.

I like PBusardo's intro video to vaping, (and I love his reviews) but I feel like it's too long and winded, while very informative for getting the point across. Does anyone know of any other videos or reading material that's simple, straight and to the point? If it would make you say tldr; then she's definitely not going to read that. I need information for beginners that provides a good summary and barely scratches the surface. She's not going to sit through a 31 minute video.

Any help is appreciated!

 

[RobinBanks]

I don't think you need to say anything else. You said she found these in your house, right?

Send her to the CASA website.

 

[ckquatt]

Maybe Grimm Green's intro to vaping. He's not very long winded and has great vids!

 

[Completely Average]

Perhaps it's time you grow up, and tell your parents they need to grow up.

Sounds to me like your parents still treat you like a child, and you allow them to continue to do it. That's not a vaping problem, that's a family interaction problem. If you're living on your own and supporting yourself then you need to stand up for yourself and demand to be treated as an equal instead of a child.

And if it was me, next time I was at their house, I would start rifling through their drawers and cabinets looking for "stuff". If they complained I would respond with "you think it's OK to do this when you come to my house" and keep right on going.

 

[Timbuck55]

I don't think you need to say anything else. You said she found these in your house, right?

Send her to the CASA website.

My thoughts exactly.

 

[djsvapour]

I sat down my Mum and explained the whole thing. She was pleased for me.

Then again, she's like the best part of 70 and I left school last century.

Presuming she never knew you smoked, you need to get her to believe this is you being responsible for your health after making the bad mistake of smoking "now and again"/"a little too often"/"10 a day".

You've made a good choice to trade smoking for vaping. You'll get there. Good luck.

 

[L4z3r]

Hey, first off Good-luck with the quitting analog cigs.

Related to a doctor so I got seriously grumped at when I wanted my nephews to quit with me.
Here is my results 2 pack a day smoker with everyone saying I NEVER had a moment without a cigarette in my hands.
Quit February 16th went from 24mg to 18mg to 12mg to 6mg now. I cant even think about a cig as they just have no flavor to me. Its all about the flavor to me and the lack of those 3k additives they add that I cant name to a few I can name
PG
VG
flavoring.
so you can find on google or call the writer

Technical Report July - August 2013

Peering through the mist: What does the chemistry of contaminants in electronic cigarettes tell us about health risks?
Igor Burstyn, PhD
Department of Environmental and Occupational Health School of Public Health Drexel University
1505 Race St., Mail Stop #1034 Philadelphia, PA 19102 USA
Tel: 215.762.2909 igor.burstyn at drexel.edu

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to review available data on chemistry of aerosols and liquids of electronic cigarettes and to make predictions about compliance with occupational exposure limits of personal exposures of vapers (e-cigarette users) to compounds found in the aerosol. Both peer-reviewed and “grey” literatures were accessed and more than 9000 observations of highly variable quality were extracted. Comparisons to the most universally recognized workplace exposure standards, Threshold Limit Values (TLVs), were conducted under “worst case” assumptions about both chemical content of aerosol and liquids as well as behavior of vapers. The calculations reveal that there was no evidence of potential for exposures of e-cigarette users to contaminants that are associated with risk to health at a level that would warrant attention if it were an involuntary workplace exposures by approaching half of TLV. The vast majority of predicted exposures are <<1% of TLV.


Parents who care a rare commodity these days .... good to hear they exist.

 

[NealBJr]

I know just the type of person you're referring to. I have someone that insists that Propylene Glycol is a deadly antifreeze used in cars. No matter what I say, they will not listen.

The initial damage has been done, and she already has it in her mind that it's some sort of a drug device. That being said, you should introduce it as "medicine to keep me away from cigarettes". It's not wholly the truth, but it's something she might understand easier. I don't mean to insult her in any way, but you should explain things to her like you explain it to a 5 year old, Keep it simple and don't explain the details, that will just confuse her. If you must explain it, Explain that it's like a miniature vics vaporizer. she might be able to understand that. Explain the clearomizers as just an easy way to tell if you are running low on juice like the vics vaporizer you can partially see through to tell if you're running low on water. Explain that you don't wantt to put your E-juice in the vaporizer and plug it into a wall, so your box mod is a smaller, battery powered version.

Anyways, just a suggestion. I know it's not totally accurate information you're giving her, and I don't recommend saying that to everyone, but for some, it might be the closest thing they can come to understanding new technology.

 

[VapoKev]

Fortunately, my parents have always respected my privacy in my home. But if I found my mother going through my drawers, there'd have to be a long, and probably not altogether pleasant conversation about it, before I invited her back.

 

[Razorback]

I don't think it's a family interaction problem at all. They just need a little more explanation on the subject and hopefully they'll get on board. Don't go rifling through their things or be disrespectful (that will accomplish nothing). When she was looking through your stuff, I bet she was helping put clothes away or something. If not, she's still your Mom... People, don't jump too quickly to conclusions and judge too harshly. I think talking to your dad and getting him on board would be wise next step, and worth the time, and as someone else stated earlier, parents that care are a rare commodity... Treasure that for what it's worth. But the whole Fox news thing - I am so sorry... I live in the southern US, and there is still a lot of bigotry and clinging to the "old ways" here, but hopefully that will eventually change.

You know you are making the wise decision over cigarettes, and everyone reading this forum does too (I think)... Just do your research and be patient... and be yourself!

 

[Razorback]

I know just the type of person you're referring to. I have someone that insists that Propylene Glycol is a deadly antifreeze used in cars. No matter what I say, they will not listen.

The initial damage has been done, and she already has it in her mind that it's some sort of a drug device. That being said, you should introduce it as "medicine to keep me away from cigarettes". It's not wholly the truth, but it's something she might understand easier. I don't mean to insult her in any way, but you should explain things to her like you explain it to a 5 year old, Keep it simple and don't explain the details, that will just confuse her. If you must explain it, Explain that it's like a miniature vics vaporizer. she might be able to understand that. Explain the clearomizers as just an easy way to tell if you are running low on juice like the vics vaporizer you can partially see through to tell if you're running low on water. Explain that you don't wantt to put your E-juice in the vaporizer and plug it into a wall, so your box mod is a smaller, battery powered version.

Anyways, just a suggestion. I know it's not totally accurate information you're giving her, and I don't recommend saying that to everyone, but for some, it might be the closest thing they can come to understanding new technology.

NealBJr, I know that's not your real picture.... You're Doctor Phil, aren't you???

 

[JeremyR]

Find a more reputable looking source other than. Pbusardo or grim.. Or course no offence to either.. Rpad is very eloquent IMO. Or if you can find a docTor looking figure ou can pull up the Katherine hiegle clip.. Just let her know cig likes only last an hour or 2 that's why yours are bigger.

 

[Moedog]

IMHO, it was a mistake going into your analog smoking history with your mother. as it probably made her more upset. But frankly, I think you've already told her enough---any more debate with her or your father could make things worse. You are an adult and should be making your own decisions. You have given her your reasons for vaping and allowed her to express her opinion. Now the subject should be closed. And, tell her she has no business going through your personal effects without your permission, and make sure it doesn't happen again.

 

[Gmandile]

It's hard for parents to accept at first, until they realize it could be much worse. Analogs, recreational drugs, etc. If you could get them to accept the "idea" and maybe present them with a few facts they may change their minds.

 

[BCRich2204]

Hey, first off Good-luck with the quitting analog cigs.

+1

I think my mom would be thrilled to find out I'm not smoking anymore. But, as far as she knows, your mom doesn't know that you were a smoker.

I say that, but my wife hates that I'm vaping. Every now & then she reads me some article about how bad it is for me. I tell her, "Fine. I'll pick up a pack of Pall Mall Menthols tomorrow." Then she backs down for a few days. I'm cool with it though. At least she cares.

 

[sneakerpimp]

She listens to fox news all day long and is a die hard conservative who is very closed minded - even my bisexuality is a problem to her, so explaining this is also just as hard because she's so straight edge.

as bad as Fox is, they actually recently aired a favorable bit on e cigs..

Fox News Why does government want to regulate e cigarettes - YouTube

 

[tearose50]

I agree with Razorback!

I've seen so many good articles on E-cigs that could be helpful. One area that might help is the Info Zone section of ECF---A link is at the very top of this page next to Forums.

 

[chebird]

Well great job with quitting the smokes!

Its funny my dad is more like your mom, he's the close minded one in our family. When I told him my fiance and I had switched to e-cigs/vaporizers all he had to say was "when are you guys going to quit entirely" Which is fine cause he does care about our health, and has never smoked himself, so I couldn't expect him to understand our enthusiasm for PV's and such.

 

[dannyrl]

I'm in a similar boat man, parents found out I was vaping through social media and confronted me rather angrily about it. Both my parents smoke, but they hid it from me as much as they could. I knew they didn't want me to get into the habit, but regardless, I picked up smoking after I turned 18 (though it was very, very light usage) to relieve stress during college. Picked up vaping right before I turned 21 and became more open about my smoking due to a "I'm legal to do pretty much anything now, why not?" and my parents found out shortly after.

To be honest man, if she isn't having it with your explanations of what vaping is, there's not much else you can do. Just assure her that it's much safer than anything else we can smoke, but it's your life, your money, your body. I understand her concern completely because my parents were the same way and I'm glad they care, but you have to make your own choices.

Rather than telling her the overwhelming specifics of vaping, just explain that "vapes pretty much vaporize flavored liquids, and that's it." Explain that it's only flavor, maybe some nicotine, and nothing else. It's like heating up soda, and inhaling and exhaling it...it's probably safer than that actually.. If she doesn't believe it, well you tried.


Personally, I just came clean with my parents when they asked. I told them I picked up smoking in college because of stress and that I picked up vaping as a safer alternative. I told them it's basically just vaporizing artificial flavoring and that I even managed to work my way down to 0 nicotine. Lastly, I told them that I understood their concerns but unless they want me living under their roof again, eating their food, using their electricity, vaping is my choice.

 

[kitkat30]

Get your dad to switch to ecigs/PVs instead of his cigars

But seriously, if she doesn't know you used to smoke then it can be a bit more tricky. You could tell her that you used to smoke and that because you knew it was bad for your health, you wanted to switch to something that would still allow you to wean yourself from your addiction in a healthier manner than quitting cold turkey, chewing gum, or having patches/taking meds. If she knows you smoked in the past, same thing.

Good luck and congrats on quitting!