Supporting Your Child in Handling Peer Pressure

Peer pressure can significantly impact children and teens. Here are some strategies to help your child handle peer pressure effectively.

Teach Values

• Understand Beliefs: Help your child understand their values and what’s important to them. Knowing their beliefs helps them make good choices.

  • Activity: Have a family discussion about values and why they matter. Create a values chart together.

  • Why It Helps: This reinforces their understanding of what’s important and strengthens their resolve.

Practice Saying No

• Confident Responses: Encourage your child to practice saying “no” confidently. Confidence in saying no helps them stay firm in their decisions.

  • Activity: Role-play different peer pressure scenarios with your child. Practice saying no in various ways.

  • Why It Helps: Practicing in a safe environment prepares them to handle real-life situations.

Encourage Positive Friendships

• Supportive Friends: Help your child choose friends who respect their values. Friends who support their beliefs help them stay strong.

  • Activity: Discuss what makes a good friend and help your child identify supportive friends.

  • Why It Helps: Positive friendships reinforce good choices and provide a supportive environment.

Helping your child handle peer pressure involves teaching them to understand their values and practice saying no. With your support, they can confidently navigate peer pressure. Encourage regular practice of these skills and remind them that it’s okay to stand up for what they believe in.

For more tips and resources, visit Botvin Life Skills Training.