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Handling Peer Pressure In Middle School

You probably do know about the great influence of those of the same age for children ages 13-15. How can you save your child from dangers of bad influence?

When your preteen first starts middle school they may be facing real peer pressure for the first time. Experimenting with smoking, drugs and skipping school does start at this age. This is because these recently elementary school graduates want to fit in with the older crowd. You can't really struggle with your child's wish being more mature and communicate more with teens.

Here are some things you can do to help your preteen be prepare for when they are asked to do something that they normally wouldn't do.

Be the first to say something.

If you haven't talked to your preteen about drugs, smoking or anything else they could be facing because they haven't had to face that problem yet, talk to them now! Don't avoid it until it becomes a problem or you start to see "signs". Be proactive with your preteen.

Role play.

Let your preteen be the one who offers you a cigarette. This will be an eye opening experience. Say no and keep saying no. When you preteen says, "I couldn't say that", ask them what they could say or do. Then role play with your preteen saying no. Practice until your preteen feels comfortable enough to do it on his own with his friends. It may be a great experience for both you and your child.

Explain that being rude is sometimes okay.

Let your teenager know it is okay to avoid people who are trying to get him to do something he does not want to do, even if it is an old friend. Learn your son or daughter to be prudent.

Let them make you the scape-goat.

Tell your preteen that there is nothing wrong with using you as an excuse. Saying, "My mom would be so mad!" to a friend who is trying to get them to smoke is a perfectly good enough excuse to get out of the situation. Though you can try to find another solution by talking to your child. Don't be afraid to start a conversation on harsh facts he/she may bump into.

Be available.

Be ready and available should they need to come to you with questions or thoughts on a situation. Even if your teen didn't make the right choices, you can help them come up with a better solution the next time the situation arises.