Helping Your Teen Navigate Peer Pressure with Confidence and Support
Growing up is an exciting time, but it doesn’t come without its challenges. Teenagers have to deal with many different internal and external changes that can cause added layers of stress and anxiety.
They’re going through bodily changes like skin problems, height spurts, voice changes, hair growth, and more. They may even be changing schools, having to deal with an added workload, working on finding themselves, and navigating their different social groups.
Peer pressure is another part of being a teenager. Some peer pressure can be a positive influence on a teen, like developing healthy habits or striving to perform their best in their academics. Negative social influences can cause a teen to try to fit in with different friend groups by engaging in risky activities or adopting new types of behaviors.
As a parent or caregiver, it’s extremely important that you’re setting your teen up for success. You can do this by helping them build their beliefs, values, and communication skills. This is how to help your teen navigate peer pressure with confidence and support.
Communication
Communication is key in all relationships. It’s also one of the most important tools that can help teens resist negative peer pressure. Try to work with your teen and create an open and honest space for healthy communication with your teen. This means active listening, avoiding any hard criticisms or judgment, and asking open-ended questions. When your teen knows that they can talk to you without any judgment or fear of being punished, they’re more likely to come to you for advice.
Set Boundaries
Help your teen set and enforce boundaries by working with them to identify their beliefs, what matters most, and their boundaries. When these areas of their life are clear, they’ll have a stronger moral compass, especially when involved in difficult situations. You can also work to role-play different scenarios and help them practice saying “no” or stating that they’re not comfortable with something.
Develop Their Self-Esteem
Teens who have higher self-esteem and self-worth are less likely to rely on others’ validation or approval. It even loses its power. You can work to increase your teen’s self-esteem by exploring their hobbies, interests, goals, and talents. Encourage them to develop friendships and relationships with their peers who are respectful of both their boundaries and values.
Be a Good Role Model
Helping your teen navigate peer pressure doesn’t just mean that your teen has to do all of the work. Make sure you’re being mindful of how you’re handling day-to-day situations and interactions. Teens are more observant than you may think. They’re constantly watching and observing you in how you’re setting boundaries, engaging with others, and how you handle stressful situations. Be a good role model for them and demonstrate how to show up as your best self. You can also share stories and reflect on your personal experiences and how you moved forward past peer pressure. When your teen sees you demonstrating positive behaviors through your own actions, they’re more likely to follow suit.
If Your Teen Falls Victim to Peer Pressure
Life is filled with ups and downs, failures and successes. Your teen may end up making some choices that you don’t necessarily agree with and end up falling victim to peer pressure. If or when this happens, make sure you’re being open-minded, thinking before reacting, and moving forward with compassion instead of judgment, criticism, and punishment.
No matter what they did or who you feel about it, try to use the situation as a learning lesson and make sure they know they can always come to you or a mental health professional for help. Therapy for teens can be an invaluable resource.
Next Steps
With your help, guidance, and support, your teen can learn how to face peer pressure with grace and strength. If you or your teen need a little extra support during this time, consider reaching out to us today.