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15+
— Make Time to Listen; Take Time to Talk
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Make Time to Listen…Take Time to Talk about Peer Pressure
Some children children choose one or two companions who are a negative influence. Children choose bad companions for a number of different reasons. Some choose them for the attention they get (both from parents and other children) while other choose them for companionship. Children may also choose bad companions for the excitement that accompanies getting into trouble, to rebel against parents, or because they suffer from low self-esteem or little self confidence.
What can parents do to minimize the effect that bad companions can have on their children?
- Develop a close relationship with your child
- Help children understand peer pressure
- Plan regular and frequent family activities
- Encourage friendships with positive role models
- Get to know your children's friends and their parents
- Know where your children are and what they are doing.
- Don't criticize your children's friends
- Try to figure out the reason, and then address it.
- Encourage a wide variety of friends.
- Encourage individuality and independence.
- Teach assertiveness.
- Praise assertiveness
- Provide discipline
