Peer pressure comes in all forms, some of it harmless such as dying their hair purple or piercing their body parts and other forms risky and detrimental to their health and well being such as alcohol and illegal drugs.

Parents often  believe that they are helpless when it comes to countering the negative affects and incredible stronghold that peer pressure may have on their teenager, but regardless of their age, parents have an incredible influence over how their teenager deals with peer pressure. Here are a few things you can do:

Communicate with your teenager. Encourage them to talk about the pressures that they are facing and do not lecture or appear judgmental. Talk to them about the pressures you faced when you were their age and what you did to avoid it. Teenagers often feel that parents do not understand or possibly remember the reality of peer pressure and trying to relate to what they are going through by listening and sharing your own stories will help them open up.

Teach your teenager how to avoid being put in situations that may harm them as well as how to avoid people who encourage negative and harmful habits.Teenagers who choose to spend time with other teens who do not drink, smoke, shoplift or lie to their families are less likely to do these things themselves.

Help them develop a strong sense of self esteem and confidence. This will help them make better choices and wise decisions when they are approached or put in difficult situations. Teach them how to deal with criticism from those that will try to shame them into being pressured, and help them understand the consequences of breaking the rules.

Instill in them a sense of pride by showing them the value of supporting a strong sense of identity. Getting your teenager involved in activities such as sports helps to support a healthy self image and lifestyle.

Prepare them, whether it be through role playing potential situations or simply educating them about what to expect.This way, if they are put into a situation that you have practiced or discussed, they know how to properly address it with confidence.

And overall, trust your teenager. Let them know that you believe in them and that they will make the right choices. By showing them that you are confident in them, they will in turn, have confidence in themselves.

by Rachel Goodchild

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