Navigating through adolescence can require concerted effort and resilience. One of the biggest challenges for our tweens today is dealing with peer pressure, which can come in a variety of forms. Whether it’s the temptation to participate in risky behavior or succumbing to negative influences from peers, tackling peer pressure head-on is an essential life skill that must be mastered during this stage in life. In this blog post we will discuss a couple of strategies and tactics on how you as a parent can help your Tween understand and manage their relationships with peers in a positive manner while dealing with issues of peer pressure responsibly.
1. Explain the concept of peer pressure and why it’s important to manage it.
Example: Social media usage: Tweens may feel pressure to join certain social media platforms, join a particular trend or movement and/or create specific types of content to acquire a certain number of followers, likes or to feel accepted (or even liked). This can lead to spending significant amounts of time on social media, potential cyberbullying or unsafe online behavior and constantly comparing themselves to others. Understanding the concept of peer pressure to begin with, is a great start and communicating this to them most likely the best point of departure.
2. Discuss key coping skills that tweens can practice when faced with peer pressure
Example:
- Assertiveness: Tweens can practice asserting their own values and beliefs when faced with peer pressure by saying "no" to the peer or suggesting an alternative activity that aligns with their own interests and priorities. For example, they can say "I don't feel comfortable doing that" or "Let's do something else instead.
- Self-confidence: Tweens can practice building their self-confidence by identifying their own strengths and positive qualities, and by engaging in activities they enjoy and feel successful in. This can help them resist peer pressure and feel more confident in their own choices and decisions
- Problem-solving: Tweens can practice problem-solving skills by brainstorming potential solutions to peer pressure situations that aligns with their own values and priorities. They can also seek help and support from trusted adults, such as parents, teachers, or counselors, who can provide guidance and advice for dealing with difficult peer situations
3. Discuss how to recognize warning signs of unhealthy peer pressure
Example: Coercion, Risky behavior, Exclusion and/or rejection
4. Describe common challenges associated with peer pressure and how to deal with them effectively
Example: Difficulty saying “no”, fear of rejection, negative impact on self esteem
5. Suggest ways for tweens to boost their self-esteem and stay true to themselves
Example:
- Practice self-care: Tweens can boost their self-esteem by taking care of their physical, emotional, and mental health. This can involve engaging in regular exercise, eating well, getting enough sleep, and practicing relaxation techniques
- Pursue their passions: Tweens can boost their self-esteem by pursuing activities or hobbies they enjoy and feel successful in. Whether it's playing a musical instrument, participating in a sports team, or creating art, engaging in activities that bring them happiness and fulfillment can help them feel good about themselves.
- Seek positive role models: Tweens can look to positive role models, whether it's a parent, teacher, a family member, someone who embody qualities and values they admire and relate to. By surrounding themselves with positive influences, they can reinforce their own self-esteem and sense of self-worth, and feel confident in staying true to themselves.
6. Outline strategies for setting healthy boundaries within friendships and social interactions
Example:
- Identify your own values and boundaries: It's important to take some time to identify your own values and boundaries. This can help you determine what is important to you and where you are willing to draw the line when it comes to social interactions and friendships.
- Be assertive: Being assertive is an important strategy for setting healthy boundaries. It involves communicating your needs and wants in a clear and respectful manner. You can use "I" statements, such as "I don't feel comfortable with that," or "I prefer not to do that," to express your boundaries.
- Learn to say no: Saying no is an important strategy for setting healthy boundaries. It's okay to say no to things that don't align with your values, priorities, or needs. You can say no politely and respectfully, while still asserting your own boundaries. This can help you avoid situations that are uncomfortable or potentially harmful.
We have been overwhelmed by the positive responses we’ve received from Tweens, their parents, teachers, principles, community leaders and coaches on the positive impact our affirmation bracelets have been making around South Africa. Thank you to those who have recognized the importance of giving (or gifting) someone a tool that can serve as their daily reminder that they are loved, smart, brave, unique and kind, as this not only spreads the love (and message), but also play a huge role in building confidence, self esteem, being part of something positive and just knowing that they are not alone.
We’ve created a limited edition multicolored affirmation bracelet thats bold, colorful and perfect for the upcoming holidays. We would like to give the first 100 online orders who place an order between now and the end of today (30 March 23:59) each 2 English multicolored bracelets completely free. We hope that this will help spread the love and message these holidays. We wish you all a safe and happy holiday filled with quality time, beautiful experiences and lasting memories. Remember that we can always deliver to your holiday destination so please keep this in mind.
Be safe.
Team Tweenology