Dealing with Peer Pressure 101

As a youngstrer, learning how to speak up for yourself can be be a challenge. Especially as a pre-teen or adolescent, having the courage to not go with the crowd is difficult. During this stage of life the peer group is most important. Kids at this point simply want to fit in. My mother was more or less a full time mom when I was growing up so anything I did she would always find out about. But what is a parent to do when they aren't always around to control what their children do. Here are some strategies

1) Remind your child that it's ok to say no to something that they are against. Let them know that if a friend asks them to do something they feel is wrong that the other person is looking out for their own interest; especially if they persist after you say no. Let your child know that in cases like these it's ok to be selfish and look out for their own interests.

2) Tell your child, that if their friend accepts them for who they are that they will take their no and still be friends with them tomorrow.

3) Inform your child that if they get into a situation where they may feel uncomfortable, that they should call you so you can discuss it.

4) Encourage your child to be a thinker. Let them know that it's ok to say to a friend that they need time to think it over. It is better that they think something out than to make a hasty decision that they will regret later.

Written by Charles Mathison

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