Negating negative peer pressure in children
When you choose to do somewhat you wouldn’t normally do because you want to be liked and respected by your friends, you are said to be under the influence of your peers. It is not always or only about being forced to do something against your will. You may have heard the phrase ‘peer pressure’ a lot in the past. Peer effect, on the other hand, is a better way of describing how teens’ behavior is impacted by their need to feel like they belong to a group of peers or friends.
Peer pressure and influence may be beneficial in certain situations. For example, your kid may be persuaded to become more aggressive. Also, participate in new hobbies, or get more interested in school activities. However, it may also have a detrimental impact. Some teens may opt to experiment with activities that they would not typically be interested in, such as smoking or acting in an antisocial manner.
Managing peer pressure in children
Teenagers who are confident in themselves are more likely to withstand negative peer pressure. Even though self-assured teens can make safe, educated judgments and avoid persons and circumstances that are not appropriate for their needs. By encouraging your kid to do new activities that will offer them a possibility of success. Also, by encouraging them to keep trying even when things are difficult, you may help them develop their confidence. It is also crucial to praise your youngster for his or her efforts in order to help them develop confidence. You may also serve as a confident role model for your kid. It is by demonstrating to him or her how to behave confidently as the first step toward feeling confident.
Compassion and peer pressure
When you are nice to yourself, you are treating yourself with the same warmth, care, and understanding you would offer to someone you care about. This is known as self-compassion. When youth practice self-compassion, they are better able to cope with the stress and anxiety that might arise as a result of peer pressure. It is via a healthy connection with you that your kid may feel loved, accepted, and safe. It is essential for the development of self-compassion in adolescents.
Learn to say no
If your kid is being pressured into doing something they don’t want to do, they may need some face-saving techniques to say no to save their dignity. Perhaps friends are urging your youngster to experiment with tobacco use, for example. If your kid does not want to say ‘Thank you,’ he or she may say something like “No, that makes my asthma worse” or “I don’t like the way it makes me smell” instead of simply “No, thanks.”
A better way
If your kid believes they are in a dangerous position. Then it may be beneficial for them to text or call you for assistance. It’s possible for you and your youngster to come up with a coded message for those occasions. It is when your child doesn’t want to be humiliated in front of his or her peers. For example, they could claim to be checking on an ill grandma, but you’ll be able to tell that they’re actually looking for your assistance.
If your kid does contact you, it’s crucial to keep the emphasis on your child’s good decision. It is to seek your assistance rather than on the potentially dangerous scenario. It is in which your child finds them. If your kid is certain that they will not get into trouble, he or she is more inclined to seek assistance.
About the Author
