Raising your kids to stand up for themselves doesn’t mean raising them to be bullies or mean to other kids. It simply means raising them to not be pushovers – so that they can articulate what it is they want to do and what it is they don’t want to do without being swayed. There’s nothing worse than peer pressure, and your kid may feel in a pickle if they are around other kids who are trying to make them drink, do drugs, or just be disrespectful jerks in general, which may be the worst of all. Here’s are some ways to help make sure your kiddos are equipped to make good decisions.
Treat Your Kids With Respect
Kids who are raised with respect are likely to display more assertive behavior and be respectful themselves. I know a lot of people tend to go with “do what I say, not what I do”, but I prefer the teach by example method of parenting. I can’t be surprised of my kid is a jerk if I’m a jerk to people myself. If you set clear limits and a good example for your kids, they are going to follow. Make sure they treat you with respect and do the same for them.
Teach Kids The Art Of Saying ‘No’
Many kids don’t know how to say no. Some may be natural born people pleasers, and the fact that they won’t usually feel like they can say no to you won’t help. This means you have to teach them how empowering no can be. As well as talking to them about that, let them know that their opinion counts. Give them choices every day, such as colour choices, a few meal choices, etc. You’re the one in control, but they will feel like they have more this way.
Have A Safe Word
Let your child know that if they need you to go and get them at any time, all they have to do is use the safe word. You can come up with this together. Promise not to bombard them with questions afterwards, or they will rethink using it. We actually have a text code set up with my teen. If he’s in a situation where he’s feeling pressured, and needs a way out without the teen pressure of being a party pooper, mom and dad will be the bad guys. All he has to do is text anyone in the family “X” and we’ll come up with an emergency reason he needs to leave, no questions asked. So far he’s never used it, but knowing there’s a plan is peace of mind for everyone. Hopefully he’ll never need it, but you will find underage drinking stats below and you can see, prevention is key.
credit to Crestview Recovery
What tips and tricks do you have to help your tweens and teens navigate the social scene that they’re growing up in today? Let me know in the comments below and thanks for reading!
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