Model Saying “No”
When your child hears you setting limits clearly, firmly, and without a lot of explanation, this helps him see that it’s OK to do the same. When you say, “No, that’s not okay with me,” you’re giving your child the same language he can say when someone tries to talk him into doing something he shouldn’t. [1]
Remain Reasonable During Disagreements
New research suggests that besides helping teens to become independent, healthy disagreements with their parents may bring additional benefits in terms of peer pressure. Parents who remain calm and reasonable during arguments are setting an example that will help their children resist peer pressure. [2]
Peer Pressure Vs. Peer Influence
Teach your child to distinguish between pressure (peers trying to convince her to do something she may not want to do) and influence (peers who may inspire her to do something positive and good for others and for herself). [3]
Choose Friends Wisely
This means online friends too. Lots of people (peers and adults) try to pressure kids to make bad choices. But if your children have friends with good values and good self-esteem, they can help your kids make sense of new technology, stay away from risky behavior, and resist unwanted peer pressure. [4]
[1] Great School Editorial Team. "6 Ways to Help Your Child Deal with Peer Pressure." Great School, 8 December 2020. greatschools.org/gk/articles/6-tips-resisting-peer-pressure/
[2] Sierra by the Sea Editorial Team. "Parents Can Help Teens Resist Peer Pressure." Sierra by the Sea, 8 December 2020. sierrabythesea.com/about/articles/parents-can-help-teens-resist-peer-pressure/
[3] Lee, Katherine. "How Parents Can Help Kids Resist Peer Pressure." Very Well Family, 8 December 2020. verywellfamily.com/help-young-kids-resist-peer-pressure-4095020
[4] Michigan Medicine Editorial Team. "Helping Kids Handle Peer Pressure." Michigan Medicine, 8 December 2020, uofmhealth.org/health-library/abl0972