The only way teens can truly develop their decision-making skills is to have a chance to practice putting them into action! As they make decisions themselves, they’ll feel good about the choices they make and may be more likely to choose to do the right thing. There are things you can do to stop this once and for all and hopefully learn how to create a healthy environment for yourself to be in with no toxicity or pressure. Here are some strategies that can help you handle peer pressure. For parents, you must speak with your children about the harm that can come with groups of friends that have bad intentions.

Remind your teens that they are their own people making their own choices. It is up to them (not their friends) to decide what they value. It is up to us as parents, to establish the boundaries that will keep them safe and to guide them towards healthy values they will choose to follow. But in addition, there is positive peer pressure, such as when your friends encourage you to try something new outside of your comfort zone that can help you grow. People may push you to try something that can benefit you, and peer pressure can help when it happens this way.

Learning How to Deal with Peer Pressure

Choose positive friends who won’t pressure you to do things that you feel uncomfortable to do. A popular saying goes “show me your friends and I will tell you who you are.” you are seventy-five percent of the company you keep. Why endangering yourself by keeping those friends who cause you to doubt your integrity and forces you to comprise your values and standards.

Also, learn to say “no” without being afraid of your peers. For example, if you hang out with a group of people who take school seriously, you may be more likely to prioritize academics too. When you have a strong support system, you’ll be more motivated to succeed and make healthy choices. If your friends are always bugging you to do something you’re not comfortable with, remember that true friends like you for who you are, not who they want you to be. The best way to handle a peer pressure bully is to nab him (or her) when the two of you are alone and explain how you’re feeling and ask him/her to get off your case.

How to start a conversation with children and young people about mental health

His decision to stand up to peer pressure was something I’ve never forgotten. These weren’t just any guys inviting Jeff over for a sleepover; they were the cool guys. But he was also being pressured to do something that would hurt another person — in this case, his brother.

Help your kids spot peer pressure, gain tools to deal with it, and be strong enough to deal with someone’s reaction to their saying no. Mastering these three tips will help your kid become a peer pressure champion. Once you’ve shared what peer pressure is, give your kids some tools to use when the challenge is https://ecosoberhouse.com/ real. We encourage you to sit down with some older, top-notch parents and determine which things helped their children. Chances are, you’ll create your own list of tools for your kids to choose from when they need them most. Teens and preteens are a lot more influenced by their peers than by their parents.

How to Deal With Peer Pressure

But, again, effective decision-making and staying resolute can help. Finding a path that resonates with you the most will be good in a world where many things can influence our actions and thoughts. It will be even better if you find others willing to accompany you in the same way you want to take. It’s natural for people to identify with or compare themselves to their peers.

But there are ways to practically and appropriately manage your anxiety and stress to serve and love your family well. Dr. John Trent is the president of Strong Families, an organization committed to strengthening family relationships. He is also a conference speaker and an award-winning, best-selling author whose recent books include Breaking the Cycle of Divorce, Heartshift and Leading from Your direct peer pressure Strengths. Learn more about Dr. Trent by visiting , and check out his recently revised book The Language of Love by visiting encouragingwords.com. Talk with your kids now about how, even if someone gets upset that you won’t go along with their demands, you don’t have to give in to their anger. They can call you as a parent, move away from that person, or get help from another friend or adult.

If you choose friends who push you to be better, encourage and support you, and respect your boundaries, your life will be much easier! It can really help to have at least one other peer who is willing to say “No,” too. It’s great to have friends who will have your back and respect you when you don’t want to do something. Of course, there are ways where you can have friends without the pressure or the stress. Moreover, it’s important to note that some drugs are extremely potent and toxic.

There are many people, siblings or not, who would have given in to the crowd and who would have put their need for acceptance over doing what’s right for someone else. But with nearly a million babies facing abortion this year, we must act now. Your $60 gift today will provide an ultrasound to a mother considering abortion and help her choose life. At Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, our mission is to make kids better today and healthier tomorrow.