Becoming a parent is among the most rewarding things that can happen to a person. That’s not to say it’s easy. When your child is younger, they will require a lot of hands-on attention. As they get older they become more susceptible to outside influences.
Peer pressure occurs when a child is influenced by what those around them are doing. This can be both a positive and negative thing. For instance, if the friend group of your child is getting straight A’s at school then they may be more inclined to try and go down that route.
As mentioned, peer pressure can be negative. Outlined below are a few examples of how it might get your child into trouble.
The wrong type of encouragement
Peers can encourage others to engage in positive activities. This can be done in a direct sense or even in ways that are more indirect. For example, your child might have been encouraged by a friend to attend soccer practice for the first time. This would be a direct form of peer pressure. On the other hand, your child may have seen a soccer player on TV and turned up to soccer practice because they thought that would make them seem more likable.
Sadly, this phenomenon can work in a negative sense too. Your child may be encouraged by peers to engage in criminal activity so that they can fit in. Your kid might also be pressured by what they have seen outside influences do and believe that’s what’s required to fit in in society. The conduct could even be of a criminal nature.
Spotting the signs
As a parent, it can be very difficult to spot the signs that your child is engaging in criminal activities or being pressured by the wrong peers. You should monitor any drastic changes in their behavior, such as going very quiet, buying expensive clothing, staying out late at night etc.
If your child has made a mistake or has been wrongly accused, it doesn’t have to be the end of the world. With the appropriate legal guidance, your kid can fight the charges and get on with the rest of their life.
