generalparenting

The power of peer pressure is unbelievable and even some adults give in to that power so I believe that every teen that over comes it and comes out on top should be given an award. It is a terrible thing to be pressured by people that you care about and the results of giving into that pressure can be catastrophic. Drinking is a big issue when it comes to peer pressure. Kids seem to believe it is the answer to all life’s problems and that it proves how grown up they are. I guess I can understand their attraction because you see it in movies all the time, the good guy or girl goes into a bar and has a drink to relax after a tough day of whatever it is that troubles them. They don’t show the drunk side where they have their head stuck in a toilette all night or the hang over the next day usually, unless they make a joke of it. They don’t show the irresponsible decisions that can be made when intoxicated nor does it show the dangers of driving while drunk except in movies where that is the basis of the story line. Kids see these actors either not being effected by the alcohol, not being held responsible for the drinking, or inhibitions being over come by being drunk. Kids think that it will be fun to be able to do whatever they want, with the help of a few drinks, and they can blame it on being drunk. They often think they have no reason to take responsibility for their drunken mistakes. They don’t think of the possible trouble they can get into because of the partying they are doing. The accidents, the date rapes, the pregnancies, the drug use, the alcohol poisoning, the possiblity of addiction and a dozen other dangers of teens drinking. Peer pressure is unbelievable, yes, but parents have such a huge impact on their child’s decisions. Explaining all the consequences of drinking usually seems to go in one ear and out the other but kids do think about those talks before they lift that glass to their lips. Ultimately the decisions are up to the kids and they have to step up and do the right thing, facing the pressure and overcoming it. The best that a parent can do is give them the information, be good role models, and pray for the best but don’t forget the power of your words. Don’t forget how much they value your opinion. Don’t forget to give credit where credit is due. That could make all of the difference in the world.