I remember facing it when I was in my teen years and attending a Christian school. Our kids will all face peer pressure at some point during their teen years, whether we send them to a Christian school, public school, or home school. The question is not whether or not they will face it, but rather how can you effectively prepare your teen for peer pressure?
How can parents help with peer pressure?
Most teens today have bought into what culture is telling them. Our culture encourages teens to “live it up” and focus on fun, often at the expense of responsibility and spiritual growth. Many Christian parents unknowingly adopt this mindset, assuming that adolescence is a time for carefree living rather than preparation for adulthood.
However, the Bible teaches a different perspective: young people are seen as adults in training.
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. I Cor. 13:11
This doesn’t say: When I became a teenager (or adolescent.) God looks at teens as adults in training. They don’t just magically become an adult when they turn 18.
RELATED: 4 TIPS FOR EFFECTIVELY PARENTING TEENS
Adulthood is a process that begins when they turn 12 years old. Teens will never again have the opportunity to learn and prepare as they did in their teens.
Here are some of the things they have time to do:
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- walk with God
- study God’s Word
- read good books
- learn how to work
- seek wisdom
How to handle peer pressure as a teenager
As Christian parents, we need to challenge and prepare our children and teens to stand up to peer pressure. They need to be the ones leading, rather than following. As parents, it’s also important for you to generally know what their friends are doing.
For example:
- Do you have open communication with their parents?
- Are the friends they tend to hang out with good influences?
- Are they surrounding themselves with ungodly entertainment or seeking out tempting or dangerous situations?
We must help to open their eyes to the world around them, but we also have to trust that God will continue to work in them and protect them. Ultimately we must remember that our children’s lives are in God’s hands. He is with them and He will give them good judgment when they ask and need it most.
How can I help my teen with peer pressure?
Remind them that everyone has someone who looks up to them. For example: “If you do right, they’ll do right! If you do wrong, they will be right behind you. Everyone has influence. Everyone can be an encouragement. Everyone can help someone else make it.”
The world says, “Life is short; live it up!“ Let’s prepare our children for the teen years, and train them so their philosophy will be “Life is too short; live for God!”
Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes... in You and Your Kids
Passionate Parenting: Enjoying the Journey of Parenting TeensSolving A Crisis in Christian Parenting: Why so many prodigals?[(Child Training Tips : What I Wish I Knew When My Children Were Young)] [By (author) Reb Bradley] published on (August, 2014)
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As parents, every one of us will choose some pattern to follow in the rearing of our children. Many parents look to the world’s definition of success and use it as the pattern for their children’s upbringing. I contend that there is a better pattern, and that pattern is the Lord Jesus Christ.
Our job as parents is to do everything possible to see to it that our children’s hearts and minds are molded to the image of Christ. This is the ultimate goal and the ultimate challenge. To choose any other pattern, even that of ourselves, is to rob our children of some of what they could one day become. –The Teenage Years of Jesus Christ
The above quote was taken from chapter 10 of The Teenage Years of Jesus Christ. Though the book is written to and for young people around age 12 or older, this chapter is written to encourage parents to teach their young people the priorities of Christ’s teenage years, as outlined in the book, and how to help our children develop these priorities in their lives. I highly recommend that all parents read this before their kids enter their teen years, and also have their teens read it. It is full of practical teaching to help our teens grow in wisdom and lead rather than follow.
How do I talk to my teenager about peer pressure?
- Don’t lecture your teen. This isn’t about telling them what they should or shouldn’t do – it’s about having a dialogue with them about what peer pressure is and how it can affect them.
- Be honest with your teen. Let them know that you’ve been through this yourself and share your experiences honestly. Teens need to know that they can come to you with anything and that you won’t judge them.
- Help your teen develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This is the most important step because no one can resist peer pressure without Him.
Take time to think about how you are doing in preparing your teens for peer pressure and ask God to give you the wisdom to guide and encourage them.
More Help For Raising Teens
- 40 Encouraging Bible Verses for Teens
- How To Help Your Teenager Choose A Career Path
- How to Talk With and Motivate Shy Teens
- Encouraging Spiritual Growth in Teens: A Guide for Parents
- How to Build Strong Relationships with Teens
- 5 Powerful Bible Verses for a Rebellious Teenager
- 7 Ways You Ruin Your Relationship With Your Teen
