Hi elusive -- Just to let you know that the best time to quit smoking is more than likely when you decide you want to quit smoking. There is no "perfect" time. The kids will get sick, the car will break down, you and your spouse will have a fight, etc. You know what? Those things are going to happen once you completely stop smoking as well, and you won't have a cigarette to deal with them. Might as well learn now that smoking doesn't solve anything. Once you get through a couple of stressful situations without a smoke, you'll start to feel better about the whole wuitting process. The first couple of weeks are tricky, but come to this site for support and think it through, have a plan so that you don't have to light up.