Peer Pressure Available in All Shapes And Sizes

Parents are generally aware what the term peer pressure means. It means “all hell breaking loose”. This would be the simplest understanding of a complex phenomenon associated with this aspect of human interaction. Adults commonly view peer pressure with a dubious eye because it is a shady phenomenon in some respects. There are additional peer pressure facts that parents should know about so that they can understand this concept better than they did in their childhood.

Under Pressure All the Time

The most common types of peer pressure are as follows:

Direct peer pressure: This is “In your face” kind of peer pressure. Direct peer pressure is used to make children feel guilty about their decisions and choices.

As the name implies, this kind of peer pressure hinges on confrontational behavior, and leaves teenagers with little room to defend themselves or defy the influence of their sweet talking peers. A common example of direct peer pressure includes a group of classmates threatening a smaller group to skip class with them or else face the consequences at a later time.

It is advisable to teach your kids solid excuses through which they could counter pressing peer pressure requests.

Indirect peer pressure: Though this type is not really “In your face” kind of peer pressure, still indirect peer pressure is as convincing as the direct type.

One example of indirect peer pressure is following a certain trend made popular by pop culture and buying the items that everyone thinks are hot. Another example could be smoking and drinking habits among youth who might get influenced by the wrong behavior of their friends. Furthermore, if your child’s friends are talking too much about sexual intercourse, then there is a healthy chance that your kids would follow suit.

The peer group doesn’t need to push the idea down someone’s throat through direct means since the idea can be as effectively communicated in an indirect way.

In order to enable your child to fight indirect peer pressure, it is important for you to sit them down for frank discussions at different intervals of the week. Talk to the little souls about the dangers linked with smoking, drinking, drug abuse, and risky sexual behavior.

Also create healthy options for your kid to choose from, for instance getting them involved in sports of their choice. If this method does not work well, you can always find other means to work well for your children.  

Positive peer pressure: This is no joke! Positive peer pressure lives alongside other forms of peer pressure and is doing great in the world of negativity that constantly eats at our hearts, minds, and souls.

Peer groups can influence your child in a positive way by helping him/her understand the benefits of adopting a healthy lifestyle, staying away from drugs and alcohol, concentrating more on studies, and remain at a safe distance from other bad influences.

The next time you see a live example of positive peer pressure, you should acknowledge it and embrace it. This might prove to be an important weapon in a world that is plagued by constant strife.

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