Peer pressure is another obstacle your child will have to learn to overcome as they get older. It’s a core part of how a child will learn how to be a better problem solver, know their own confidence and experience difficult decisions. We should therefore help our children combat peer pressure using a range of methods. Here are some top tips we recommend in partnership with Vita Et Pax School.

Show them what makes a good friend

Talk through specific qualities and attributes that make a good friend to your child. It helps your child try to find those traits in their friends, and it means that your child can work on their understanding of compassion and kindness. Good friends also don’t break the law or cause trouble in public or in schools.

Emphasise independence

Independence goes beyond the freedom you get at home. It ensures your child is the one in control of their own decisions. So if a friend asks them to do something they’re not comfortable with, show your child to use their independence skills to overcome these kinds of issues. Make them aware of how much independence should be extended.

Talk about the art of saying no

A child should be like saying no is still important to express. Give your child that peace of mind by role playing examples where they can and should say no. It’ll give them a lot more confidence to work on how to reject things that come their way, and remind them that saying no does not mean they’ll miss out on opportunities.

Get to know your child’s friends

Knowing who your child hangs out with makes the process a whole lot easier for you. Try to gauge who your child is spending their time with and see how they act around you and your child. Behavioural changes and common yet problematic traits in your child’s friends can become an issue later on down the line.