“There’s one advantage to being 102. There’s no peer pressure." – Dennis Wolfberg
Since no child is 102, no child is free from peer pressure. Now you can help your child handle peer pressure before becoming an adolescent. How your child thinks at an early age becomes the foundation for later decisions.
Parenting Request from a Valued Newsletter Subscriber:
Would you include an article on peer pressure explaining how children can make their own decisions of right and wrong and how we can discuss this with them without getting an “attitude?"
Check out the parenting tips below. Ask your child the questions. Discuss the answers and role-play the solutions. If you do, you’ll be preparing your child to handle peer pressure, make good decisions, and build character too.
First Peer Pressure Parenting Tip – Handling Bullies:
“Let’s pretend a boy named Sam flunked his math test. A bully sees his grade and announces to the class, “Sam flunked the test. Sam’s a dumb dork." Lots of kids laugh. Sam hangs his head and stares at his desk. How do you think Sam feels? What will you say? What will you do? Let’s roll play how you would like to react."
Second Peer Pressure Parenting Tip – Handling Gossip:
“Let’s pretend the girls in your class act friendly to Gina. Behind her back they make fun of her clothes, her hair, and her weight. Gina is your friend. To “fit in" will you talk badly about Gina too? Why or why not? How would you feel if Gina knew you made fun of her? To be proud of your own behavior and feel good about yourself, what will you do and what will you say? Let’s act it out."
Third Peer Pressure Parenting Tip – Doing the Right Thing:
“Let’s pretend your child’s friend, Alex, drew gross pictures on the wall outside your school. Nobody saw him except you. Today he hands you the marker. Will you take it? Why or Why not? If Alex doesn’t stop acting out, will you keep him as a friend? What would you like to say to help Alex? Would your words help you feel good about yourself too? Let’s act it out."
Peer Pressure Conclusion:
When children are forced to make quick decisions, they don’t take time to think. Instead, they often react by following the crowd. Why not guide them now with social dilemma questions, discussions, and role-playing the solutions? You’ll be teaching them excellent social skills for life. You’ll be building character too.
