5 Tips on How to Handle Peer Pressure
Peer pressure doesn’t go away. Kids often go along with their peers, and it can be normal for parents to take
their children's behavior personally. It may be troubling, but try to remember that kids are
trying to establish their own identity.
Whether your child is a popular kid in school or is someone who has a handful of friends, peer pressure can influence and push him or her to
do unsafe or unhealthy things. Children need a parent's support to help them make good decisions.
Here are some helpful tips for parents:
Praise your child. Take time to celebrate his or her achievements. Children who feel good about themselves are
more able to resist negative peer pressure and make better choices.
Get to know their friends. Invite your children's friends over play dates or for study time. Get to know them. If your
children have friends with good values and good self-esteem, they can help your
kids avoid risky behavior, navigate new technology, and resist
unwanted peer pressure.
Create a special code. Have a plan children can implement in uncomfortable
situations. For example, if they don't
feel at ease at a party, children can call or text you with an agreed-upon
phrase like, "Dad, I'm feeling sick. Can you come get me?"
Take the blame. Let your kids know that if they face
peer pressure they don't know how to resist, they can refuse by blaming you:
"I'll get in trouble if I do that. My mom and dad would ground me."
Stay informed. Pay attention to what interests kids, the
way they dress, and the social media they are using. The more you know, the better you can protect your kids and
help them learn to make good decisions.
Make every effort to
stay in your child’s life. Plan family activities that include them. Talk to them about their friends, interests, music, and accomplishments. Ask them about the things that bother them. Let them know you care, but make it
clear there are rules they need to follow.
