INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Perhaps the most important message you want to get across when discussing your divorce is that you still love and care for your children, even if you are the one who is leaving or moving away. Keep repeating that you love them and nothing that happens between Mom and Dad will change that. Children may unintentionally try to shoulder the blame of their parent’s divorce, even if they don’t come out and say it. Let them know that the reason for the divorce has nothing to do with them. Reinforce the fact that they are not the problem and that the decision is made because Mom and Dad aren’t getting along. Even though the decision to get a divorce is up to the parents, you should be willing to listen as your kids share their frustrations. They may cry, shout, or run away to their rooms. Anticipate a variety of reactions. Encourage them to express how they feel by gently saying things like, "It's okay to cry, but we want you to talk to us about how you are feeling inside - what you are thinking about." When your child shares their feelings, try your best to listen to what they are saying and acknowledge their feelings. Supporting them in this way reinforces the parent-child bond and lets them know that, although things are changing, you are still there for them. You might say things like, “I know you’re upset, sweetheart. I’m here for you.” Involving the child in an adult disagreement only adds confusion and distress, which may end up backfiring on you later. Both parents should agree to keep the kids out of the nasty aspects of the divorce, such as arguing or name-calling. No matter how upset you may be about the divorce, you are there as a source of comfort for your child—not the other way around. Don’t confide in them or try to “win” them over by assassinating your ex’s character. Agree on rules for parenting including curfews, bedtimes, homework, chores, etc. so that the rules and lifestyles are as close as possible between each parent's home. Drastic differences in parenting styles make life extremely difficult for kids who have to “learn” two ways of living.

SUMMARY: Tell them you love them. Reassure them that they had nothing to do with the decision. Encourage them to express their feelings. Validate their feelings. Don’t turn your child into a confidant or pull them into the middle. Maintain the same rules and boundaries at both parents' homes.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Part of covering up the smell of smoke will involve keeping it contained.  If the smoke drifts out of your room there is a chance that someone will smell it.  Make sure any place smoke could escape through is completely covered up before smoking in your room.  If you have any vents in your room cover them with a towel. Cracks under your door can release smoke from your room.  These can be covered with a towel as well. Although the smell of smoke can be quite strong, introducing other scents in your room can help cover smoke up.  These air fresheners won't likely remove the smell of smoke but they will make it less obvious.  Review some of the following scents you can use to help mask the scent of smoke in your room:  Deodorizing sprays will work best to cover up the smell of smoke in your room. Air fresheners or scented air sprays can help mask the smell of smoke. Burning incense can make the smell of other smoke less distinct. Don't overuse them as this can actually cause people to become suspicious. Although you may have kept the smell of smoke out of the air in your bedroom it will likely still cling to you.  The smoky smell can stick to your hands, hair, and clothes and will be noticeable on your breath.  Even if your room doesn't smell like smoke you should still make sure you yourself don't smell like it before going out.  Wash your hands after smoking. Make sure your clothes don't smell like smoke.  If your clothes smell consider changing them. Your breath will likely smell like smoke.  Use mouth wash, brush your teeth, or at least eat a mint before leaving your room. You may want to shower after having a smoke to get the smell out of your hair. Cigarettes give of a highly noticeable smell that can get you caught if you are smoking indoors.  Switching to vaporizers or e-cigarettes can remove the smell of smoke, allowing you to smoke indoors without much worry of being discovered. Many vaporizers are odorless or will have a much different scent than smoke.

SUMMARY:
Keep the smoke contained. Use air fresheners. Clean yourself up. Switch to e-cigarettes or vaporizers.