Under Peer Pressure
Wear Nike sneakers. Experiment with alcohol. Smoke a cigarette. Go on a diet.
Kids today bombard each other with these and a thousand other "suggestions." No one wants to stand apart from his or her peers. As a result, each kid feels the pressure to follow the crowd.
Adolescents can be compared to sheep because of their insecurities while forming and developing a separate identity from their parents. Kids may also pressure each other to conform to what they see in advertising, movies, music and television. Girls believe they should always have a slim waistline. Boys think they should be muscular or should only date a certain type of girl.
Because of peer pressure, kids may experiment with hair, make-up and clothes or they may disrespect those in authority, such as teachers and parents. That's bad enough. But peer pressure doesn't stop there. If they receive positive affirmation from their peers that they don't receive at home, the pressure to commit criminal acts, experiment with drugs or alcohol or engage in risky sexual behavior may be too great to withstand.
As a parent, you can help your kids resist the lure of negative behavior and help them discover that people respect those who are willing to be an individual.
Background Information
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Stories
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Other Things to Consider
Related Topics
Relationships: Blended Families, Parents and Adult Children
Transitions: Preparing for Adolescence, Empty Nest
