Peer pressure is not a strange thing.We all are influenced by our peers,both positively and negatively.
It helps to define who we are,and how we feel about life matters.It is how we choose to react to peer pressure that defines who we are as an individual.
Peer pressure is also a normal aspect of our teens life,as well as parents life.what we parents need to do is to take up the challenge,to stand against the negative peer pressure that can mar our children,and encourage the positive ones that can make them!
Why do teens give in to peer pressure?
There is no difference between teens and adults.They are influenced by their peer group just like adults.It is a normal thing,and they get this from adults around them almost everyday.
Everyone conforms to social standards set by peer groups,and our teens see this in us.
Therefore teenagers will tend to follow their peers behaviour that are considered not appropriate.
Another reason is that, in other for them not to lose their" so called"friends,they prefer to follow them to any length, rather than following their parents' advice.
They also believe in the 'everyone is doing it' idea.This can make them comply to pressure.
Curiosity also make teens to take risks without thinking of the eventual outcome of such,which may cause a future damage to their lives.
All these together make teens easily give in to peer pressure.
What parents should know
Peer pressure is a powerful force and not just a phrase.It can lead teens into changing the color of their hair,piercing their body,smoking,drinking,taking hard drugs,getting involved in illicit sex,and just to mention a few.Many adults do not realize the effect of peer pressure!
Parents make the mistake of believing our children do not value their opinion,but research shows that parents have a tremendous influence on their children,especially teens.This misconception make parents to relax and not taking effort to counter the negative effect of peer pressure in their children.
"What parents can do to help their teens"
1-Parents need to teach teens how to refuse offers for cigarettes,alcohol,illicit sex,and drugs.Let them know that what they say to offers goes a long way.They should be able to say words like 'no thank you',i think i have to go now'.....
2-Parents needs to talk to their children on how to avoid other children who break rules at home,and situations they know is undesirable.They should be mindful of the environment they stay in,and friends that they keep.Let them know that if they don't stay around those who have negative attitude,it is far less likely for them to behave such.And if they don't choose friends that smoke,steal,do drugs,drink,they are far less likely to do these things as well.
3-Parents should teach their children how to confide in them,and they should create such rooms for their children to be able to talk- things- out with them.They should be made to realize that it is right to seek the advice of their parents,or any trusted adults when they find it difficult to avoid difficult situations such as offers to smoke,drink or use drugs.
4-Parents need to NURTURE strong self-esteem in their children.This will help them in making decision,even if their peers feel otherwise.Self esteem helps them to follow their decisions.Parent should teach their children how to perceive themselves in positive ways,and avoid ridiculing their children when they make mistakes.
REMEMBER!
Your children will NEVER forget the values you give to them!They may not always use them,especially because of peer pressure sometimes,but these values stick with them through their adolescence age and into their young adulthood.
So do not be tired of playing your part in helping our teens in following the right parts in life.Peer pressure is an issue every parent needs to handle with all seriousness.
