Teens And Peer Pressure
Teens dealing with peer pressure is for the most part, just part of life. Peer pressure is not a new concept. In fact, peer pressure has been around as long as man has been on earth.
Knowing that teens are inevitably going to face peer pressure should prompt parents to take action and talk with their teen about peer pressure, how to handle it when it happens, and how to avoid it when possible. It really isn't a matter of if with peer pressure, but when. To help teens be prepared to deal with peer pressure, it might be beneficial to focus on the following ides.
Discuss Consequences
Discuss consequences of bad decisions with your teen. Explain that every decision that we make has a consequence attached to it. Explain that good decisions generally have good consequences and bad decisions will generally have a bad outcome. Give examples of good decisions that teens have made so far in their life.
Try and give real life examples of individuals who have made bad decisions as well (movie stars and famous athletes seem to fit into this category well). Teens need to feel and understand that they must take responsibility for their actions.
Also, they must understand that even when they think that their actions are only affecting themselves, they are in reality affecting others, especially family and friends when they make dangerous decisions that will cause worry and concern for those who love them the most. It is so important that teens understand the magnitude of bad decisions and the negative consequences that accompany them.
Friends
Helping teens recognize the fact that peers who would encourage and pressure them into doing harmful or wrong behaviors are not really their friends. These peers are individuals who don't really care about them, but are trying to take advantage of them and in some cases exploit them.
It is important that teens from the very beginning form of a circle of friends who they love and trust, and who would never pressure them into doing anything dangerous or harmful. If they are currently hanging out with such friends, they should reevaluate those friendships immediately.
Decide Ahead Of Time
Perhaps the most effective way to prepare teens to face peer pressure is to help them decided ahead of time how they will respond and react to peer pressure. What they will say and what they will do in any given situation or scenario.
By knowing beforehand how they will not only help them avoid bad decisions, but also help them have the confidence to deal with peer pressure. Talk with you teen about each possible scenario that might arise so that they feel prepared and confident when difficult situations arise.
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