Peer pressure is something that all children will encounter in their lives. It can usually involve children trying new things, like a risky activity, skipping school, or even more extreme things. There are also other different things your child can fall into, like bullying, cheating in exams and much more.
Showing your child how to be able to face peer pressure will give them something to learn about in school and in life experiences. Give your child the best guidance to help manage their stress, their emotions and their understanding of discipline and critical thinking skills. Here are some ways to help their peer pressure from this prep school in Hertfordshire.
See what your child’s friends are like
If there’s anything to keep your tabs on, it’s knowing who your child hangs around with and when. Not in a way that keeps a very close eye on their exact movements, but showing you’re interested in your child’s progress will help them know you’re keen to learn more about them. You’re getting your own insight into who your child hangs around with, and for a good reason. It also helps you see where peer pressure could come from in the future, depending on any potentially toxic traits you spot in the future.
Teach your child about the benefits of saying no
A lot of children will get a thrill out of being able to say yes all of the time and it gives them something to look forward to. Unfortunately, some kids can take advantage of this if your child is known to succumb to peer pressure. Show your child why it’s beneficial they say no more often than they think. Get them feeling positive about declining to do things that will make them feel uncomfortable and how that can help them with their understanding of peer pressure.
Remind your child of the consequences
Getting caught will be what worries a child the most, not necessarily the action they get involved in. Show them that it’s very easy to be found out almost all of the time, and it gives them the understanding that they can’t jump in and make their own decisions every time. Ultimately, you’re giving your child the tools to know what happens if they fall for peer pressure and what could happen to them. They could be suspended from school, expelled in extreme cases, and can alienate a lot of their friends because of it. Remind them that it is not worth it.
