Summary: Factors That Play A Part In Peer Pressure To understand the factors in peer pressure we also need to see when it begins. Peer pressure actually begins as soon as a child begins interacting and observing other people. It is amazing you can watch toddlers pick up behaviors from other toddlers such as taking a toy away from another child and saying mine, that is under the assumption that they are not observing this behavior in their parents. Parents and other adults also have a huge influence on their children. Small children are constantly observing learning and mimicking their parents and other adults.  So in a way this is “pressure†to “conform†to certain behaviors or mimicking because the behaviors are thought to be normal. What factors affect a teens ability to resist temptation? A strong sense of self is the first. Are they secure in who they are where another’s opinion will not cause them to cave into doing something they know/feel is wrong. The second is a strong sense of family. The support of family can be an amazing factor, a desire to not let other family members down. Also the knowledge that there will be support at home when I make the right decision even if it is unpopular. Thirdly, faith can play a huge role. When a child is grounded in what the Bible says not only as a list of rules but that those rules are there to protect their relationship with God and others it can have a major impact. From this faith will be a knowledge that God has a plan for their life which can give the strength to say no to temptation. (Jeremiah 29:11) Finally helping your child find a peer group that will share the same beliefs and values will help your child by exerting positive peer pressure.  Listen to today’s podcast for more insight on the topic of peer pressure.
