As children get older, the chances of peer pressure creeping its way in grow. Why you may ask? Towards the ages of 6-7, children start to care less about what their parents and adults think and choose to make decisions based on the opinions of peers instead. This need for approval can lead to youngsters taking part in activities they normally wouldn’t such as drinking, smoking, shoplifting, and sex. Not only will this change the way your child thinks and send them on a downwards spiral but it can harm education too. As parents, there are things that can be done to teach your child how to avoid peer pressure. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Start by consistently reminding your child to trust their judgments. Independence is something they crave so remind them that it is unnecessary to constantly inquire with their friends about their opinions, especially when it is a big and personal decision. Point out that the goal is of their own and no one else’s, so opinions can be heard but don’t have to always be taken into consideration, especially when it comes to decisions that need an adult’s perspective.
- Don’t overreact when you hear things you don’t particularly like. Your child is confiding in you and being open with their life and what goes on in it. Overreacting and responding harshly will only push them away and stop them from talking to you about their problems. Not only will this make them turn to their friends more often, but it will stop you from having an understanding of what your child is up to. Instead, stay calm and use these moments to bring up solutions to problems that may arise in conversation. If your child is talking about someone else, discuss the consequences of bad actions so they are fully aware.
- Talk to them about what makes a true friend. Sometimes children will follow the crowd and surround themselves with people who they don’t even enjoy being around. At a younger age, this is more common as fitting in is the main priority. If your child is friends with someone who is pressuring them to do something dangerous, unkind, or illegal, remind them that a true friend would never ask such things of them.
- Teach your child how to say no. ensure they know that it is perfectly fine to set boundaries and let people know when they don’t want to take part in something. Practice role-playing with your child so they know how to speak with confidence.
Your child will start to change and want more independence as they grow which is inevitable and should be accepted. However. resisting peer pressure is something that will not only ensure that your child is keeping good company but is sticking by morals and values taught from a young age.
*Collaborative post
About Debz Louise
Debz Louise is a UK-based lifestyle expert and the founder of several lifestyle blogs. Specialising in everything from interior design and home renovation to body-positive fashion and parenting, Debz brings a wealth of hands-on experience to every guide. Her mission at Stereotude is to simplify the modern world for her readers through expert curation and fiercely honest advice.