BEATING THE PRESSURE

As children grow, they encounter various external influences that shape their choices and identity. Help your child navigate peer pressure and empower them with these life lessons, writes

- Kayal Arivalan

As children grow, they begin to navigate a complex world in which friendships, social media, and external influences play a significant role in shaping their identity and decisions.

Peer pressure – though often seen as a negative force – is a natural part of adolescence, as teens strive to fit in and be accepted by their peers (usually friends or classmates). Whether it’s imitating their style, adopting similar hobbies, or even engaging in risky behaviour, peer pressure can impact a teen’s choices in various ways.

For parents, this could be one of the most crucial phases to provide the support and guidance teens need to encounter these challenges. Here’s how parents can empower their teens to make confident, independent decisions.

BE AVAILABLE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY

Parenting during the middle childhood phase, which includes both the tween and teen years, plays a crucial role in shaping a child’s healthy development and future success. Warm and responsive parenting during this stage fosters self-regulation skills, laying the foundation for emotional resilience and personal growth. “During the tween and teen years, parents play a crucial role in supporting their child’s development while adapting to new dynamics,” says