By using these healthy ways to deal with the stress of peer pressure, you’ll find that confidence in your values grows naturally, making peer pressure less daunting. For teens, connecting with mentors can provide guidance and support. Adults might seek professional mentors or peer groups that share similar values and goals, which can reinforce personal and professional growth (DuBois & Karcher, 2005). Develop skills to negotiate or manage conflicts that may arise from resisting peer pressure. Effective communication techniques, such as ‘I’ statements and active listening, can help articulate your stance while acknowledging others’ perspectives (Bishop, 2004).
Learn how to deal with peer pressure
If there is an emergency, call a doctor or emergency services immediately. Set aside a time where you present your teen with a variety of potential situations. For example, they get to the party and there are no parents present or they are offered a ride with someone that has been drinking. Give them time to consider your sample situations and ask them how they would respond. It’s common for teens to talk less to parents and more https://industryft.com/alcohol-related-neurologic-disease-types-signs-2/ with friends.
- Consider these 8 tips as you prepare your teen to face peer pressure.
- As our teens watch us, they gain “practice” painlessly from our life experiences and modeling.
- Indirect peer pressure which bears similarity to unspoken peer pressure.
- People make choices and engage in behaviors because they think it’s how they’ll fit in.
- They’re a classic example of peer pressure, or when someone tries to manipulate your behavior.
Parents Matter More Than Peers
For example, if you know that there are hidden spots for vaping or smoking around school, try to how to deal with peer pressure avoid these. Also, if a certain group of friends encourages risky behavior and you’re invited to a party, it’s okay to come up with an excuse why you can’t go. They gain the strength needed to say “No,” even if it may be unpopular with friends. Finding healthy ways to deal with the stress of peer pressure means taking control of this influence and reclaiming your personal power.
Positive Peer Pressure
Having self-confidence and conviction in your own decisions is key – being able to firmly yet politely refuse activities you are uncomfortable with. With the right mindset and support network, you can become more empowered to tackle any peer interactions that attempt to compromise your values and boundaries. If certain friends often encourage activities you regret or leave to avoid peer pressure feeling ashamed, limit Oxford House time with them. Politely decline invitations that involve the temptation to cross your boundaries. Handling guilt takes practice, but it is worthwhile to listen to your intuition. In contrast, negative peer pressure coerces others towards risky, inappropriate, unethical, dangerous or illegal choices.
