Peer Pressure: Three Ways to Help Your Teen to Say "No"

Let's face it, our teens want to fit in.  Even as adults we want to be part of a group but we also realize that there are limits and boundaries that we know we have.  Teenagers don't have the years of wisdom that we have to rely on.  Some adults still make mistakes with judgment of others.

How can we help our teens to avoid these pressures when faced with them at school or otherwise?

Here are three very good tips from one of the Five Moms at Stop Medicine Abuse:

1. Start the conversation by telling teens that you understand it could be difficult for them to say no to their friends in peer pressure situations.
2. Talk through ways they can handle different scenarios in which their friends are peer pressuring them to engage in risky behaviors such as drug or medicine abuse.
3. Help them devise an “exit” plan in case they find themselves in an uncomfortable situation with their peers. Come up with a code word that they can text or say over the phone that you will both understand as a call for help.

These are just a few of the many methods you can use to talk with teens about how to avoid risky behaviors and peer-pressured situations such as abusing drugs or medicines. Preparing teens with a variety of methods makes it easier for them to stand up to their peers and “just say no.” In the comments below, share how you teach your teen to say no to peer pressure and risky behaviors such as drug and medicine abuse.

Have you reached your wit's end with your teen?  Considering residential therapy or a summer program?  Visit www.helpyourteens.com.