<p>Thanks for the parenting lesson. </p>
<p>You wrote three excuses for using tobacco that implied it provided some benefit. Just because you called it “abuse” doesn’t lessen the impact of implying it had any benefit at all. There is no excuse for smoking other than that it’s addictive. No benefit. No excuse. </p>
<p>I didn’t have to force my opinions or values on my kids. They’re smart enough to figure it out for themselves. There’s nothing I sheltered my kids from other than the experience of growing up in a polluted city. This thread is about smoking at Bard, not about how I raise my kids or how well you test. You assume I’m controlling my kids’ lives simply because they don’t smoke and I don’t either. You’re arguing for an independence my kids have always had. What you seem to not grok is the concept of teaching by example. </p>
<p>Only a 740? Couldn’t get that “synapse” open for “clear thinking”? How do you expect to compete in college? 
Remember, your written communication is always critiqued, even if no one does it to your face. You might want to try lightening up with your attitude here or you may find college a rough road for youeven at Bard.
No charge for the free advice. I wish you all the best.</p>