Helping Your Child Resist Peer Pressure | AD

Disclosure - This is a paid collaboration with Surbiton High

Peer pressure is an inevitable part of life, especially during the school years. As a parent, there are things you can do to help your child make sensible choices and resist peer pressure. A prep school in Surrey have put together the following advice to help you.

Your child needs to be able to spot peer pressure when it’s happening if they’re going to be able to avoid it. With that in mind, teach them what it is and perhaps offer some examples. Once they understand what peer pressure actually is, explain to them that it’s okay to say “no” when they feel uncomfortable about something. Let them know that true friends will not pressure them to do something that they’re not happy to do.

Saying no will require confidence, so try and help your child with the self-esteem as much as you can. This doesn’t necessarily mean showering them with compliments at all times; you should look into other ways you can help. For instance, encouraging your child to join some extra-curricular clubs will help them with their socialisation and, in turn, their confidence.

What’s more, you should also teach your child that everyone is different and they don’t have to make the same choices as everyone else to fit in. Instead, help your child become proud of their individuality so that they are less fazed by peer pressure.

Don’t be afraid to get to know your child’s friends a little better by encouraging your child to invite them over. You should also ask your child to talk to you about their relationships at school. If anything concerns you, it would be wise to contact the school and speak to a teacher about the issue as soon as you can.

Michelle