In a single-centre observational before-after study (n=31 parental smokers), a standardized ~15-minute tobacco-counselling intervention delivered during the paediatric ambulatory pathway significantly increased parental awareness of secondhand-smoke harms (median total score 34→46; p=0.0026). Item-level gains were greatest for perceived anaesthetic risk and misconceptions about tertiary/indirect exposure. Session acceptability was high, but self-reported behavioural change at 30 days was limited. The perioperative consultation is a feasible "teachable moment"; integration with visual aids, objective exposure measures, structured cessation referral and longitudinal follow-up should be considered to translate awareness into sustained exposure reduction.

Inclusion Criteria:

• adult parents who declared current tobacco use and were present at their child's ambulatory surgical visit

Exclusion Criteria:

• parents absent on the day of surgery
• procedures postponed
• explicit refusal to participate

Eligible participants were adult parents who declared current tobacco use and were present at their child's ambulatory surgical visit. Exclusions included parents absent on the day of surgery, procedures postponed, or explicit refusal to participate.