The Struggle is Real: Helping Kids Handle Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is a constant that appears throughout someone’s life. It happens in various stages, even in adulthood. As an adult, you already know how to handle it, as you already have the wisdom and related experience. However, kids are not always fully capable of dealing with peer pressure.

They may have the impression that giving in to peer pressure is one way to gain their peer’s trust and become part of a cool group. Some kids take it well, but others may feel anxious, stressed, and uncomfortable.

Regardless, it is essential that you understand the consequences of peer pressure. Sometimes, this leads to wrong decisions and regrettable actions. You do not want your kids to feel very stressed about this. As such, you need to make them feel that you are always by their side.

It is your duty to guide them. Whether your kid is getting an elementary education here in Gilbert, AZ or is already in middle school, here are some of the things that you should keep in mind:

Teach your kids to be comfortable in their own skin

Among the reasons kids give in to peer pressure is they want to be accepted. They are afraid to be made fun of and feel uncomfortable. At this point, you need to make your kid feel validated – that they are loved and appreciated. This will make them more confident.

And when they are confident, they will be able to make better choices. Teach them the power of saying “No.”

Help them pick the right friends

Your kids may be introducing their friends to you. It is a must that you get to know their friends better. Gauge their interests and attitudes. You also need to look at the people they talk to online. If your kid is quite shy, be proactive, and help them pick the right friends.

Encourage them to join interest-based organizations and meet like-minded students, so they will easily fit in. When they fit in nicely, they will feel validated and accepted.

Encourage them to report cases of bullying

While your kids may be strong, there will still be persistent students that will harass them. Minor cases of harassment and annoying behavior may eventually even turn into bullying. This is something that you do not want to happen, so what you should do is to encourage them to report to you cases of bullying.

Talk to their teachers

If your kid is vulnerable to bullies, you need someone that will help keep an eye out on your kid. This is why you have to talk to their teachers. The teachers will then come up with an action plan that will keep harmful incidents from happening.

While peer pressure is a constant that appears in various phases of a person’s life, you need to understand that dealing with gracefully can nurture confidence and independence. Teaching your kids to be firm with their decision and to stand up to their bullies will genuinely help them as they get older.

This will help them become much more decisive.