When we read this recent post at MomLogic about this mother’s “secret from her toddler,” we wondered how many of you relate.

“I have a confession,” wrote this mom. “Every once in a while I like to have myself a nice smoke. And so far, my toddler has no clue.”

As always, no judgments here at Singlemommyhood.

But we’re curious. That’s why we reached out to Daniel F. Seidman, director of Smoking Cessation Services at Columbia University Medical Center and author of a new book, Smoke-Free in 30 Days.

“Yes, I am seeing both mothers of young children and pregnant smokers who carry a burden of guilt over their secret smoking,” says Dr. Seidman.

“For example, one woman was smoking during her pregnancy. She was extremely guilty, especially when she was lying to her own mother about how she had already quit. Another example is a woman with young children who never smoked around them or let them see her smoke.”

Indeed, the MomLogic blogger confesses:

“I smoke outside when she’s asleep. I’ve smoked when she’s fallen asleep in our car in our driveway. I’ve had friends play with her as I sneak out back to sneak a smoke. Up until now she’s been completely shielded from my secret.”

“Smoking has been severely stigmatized in our society, so many smokers now go underground and live in a bunker about it,” explains Dr. Seidman.

If you’re a secret smoker, we’d love to hear from you.

When are you most likely to smoke?

If you used to smoke and quit… how did you do it?

Feel free to log in anonymously.

(Photo courtesy of Jason Webber via Flickr)

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