Peer pressure, positive or negative, is the influence to conform to the expectations of a clique or group. Pressure from friends isn’t all that bad. Sometimes, friends influence you to study more, join extracurricular activities, or even push you to exercise together. It can be good in the sense that your kids get inspired to improve themselves more. But this article will focus on the other side of peer pressure.
As a parent, you have the biggest role to help your child know the difference between good friendships and bad. As well as teach them how to resist and stand up to bad influences.
1. Build a Solid Relationship with Your Child
The quality of your relationship with your child is a very important factor in this situation. Let them feel that they are loved and appreciated so that they won’t feel the need of looking for that somewhere else. Make your home a safe and secure haven for them.
2. Take Time to Talk to Your Child
By always finding time to talk to your child every time, you get to know what’s going on in his/her life. This way, you will be able to see if your child is under good or bad influence and give appropriate advice. Let your child feel that you are always there to listen to them and that they will never be judged.
3. Be a Good Role Model
Obviously, you have to be a good role model to your child in order for them to be a good one as well. Children look up to their parents and regard them as an example so make sure to be a good one.
4. Promote Self-Respect
Build your child’s confidence by encouraging them to develop their talents and interests. Building their self-esteem will make them less vulnerable and resist giving in to negative peer pressure just to fit in or feel good about themselves.
5. Help Your Child Face Their Fears
Don’t shelter your child from the real world. Let them know that life outside the house is different and that they should expect that it can be crazy, tough and frightening sometimes. Teach them how to face their fears and stand up for what they believe is right and that saying NO is okay (in a respectful way of course). Raise them to be confident, assertive, courageous and mature individuals because this will really help them withstand peer pressure.
