Help Your Kids Resist Peer Pressure

Develop a relationship with your child. Children are more likely to communicate the things that happen, related with pressures of pears, to them and how they are feeling when you have a close relationship with your child. This means that you spend time with them and take time to really listen, not lecture. They are also more likely to say “No” when they feel loved and wanted at home.

Let your child know how you feel Tell your child the things that you do not approve of whether it is doing drugs, drinking, smoking, premarital sex, or certain types of media. You should take advantage of everyday opportunities like commercials on T.V., while driving in the car, or when seeing a person smoking to talk about the behavior with your child. Studies have found that children are more likely to resist peer pressure and as well as say no to drugs and alcohol when they know their parents would disapprove.

Give your child independence. If your child feels like they have some control over their lives and are allowed to make their own choices they will be less likely to engage in rebellious behaviors or resist peer pressure.

Give your children an out Give your children responses that they can use when they don’t want to say “No” like “Maybe later” or “I have to home right now.” You can also let them use you as a reason they don’t want to get involved by saying “My parents would kill me,” or “If I did that I’d be grounded for month.” Growing up our family also had a code word. If we were someplace and wanted to come home we could call and ask if Uncle Bill was there yet. We didn’t have an Uncle Bill, but the phrase meant that our parents would reply that “Yes Uncle Bill was there” and they would come and get us.

Teach your child to think for him or herself. When faced with negative peer pressure tell your child to consider why they are being asked to do the act and how they will feel if they do it. Often children do not think of the consequences before they do something. Teach your child that all actions have consequences whether good or bad and that they don’t get to choose the consequences.

Practice peer pressure situations. It is much easier to walk away when the decision has been made beforehand. If your child makes a decision that they won’t take a drink before they are offered one it is easier to say “No”. So practice helping your child say “No” to different situations. Girls and Boys Town suggest practicing these steps to help your child for resisting peer pressure:

1. Look at the person
2. Use a calm voice.
3. Say clearly that you do not want to engage in that activity.
4. Suggest another activity. Give a reason.
5. If the person tries to convince you, keep saying "No."
6. Leave or ask the person to leave.