How do I help my child cope with peer pressure?

Ever since he received his Spiderman toy, it has been his favorite and goes everywhere with him. However, he suddenly tells you that he does not like his Spiderman toy anymore. When you ask him why he feels this way, he will probably tell you that his friends say that Superman can beat Spiderman any day. This is typical peer pressure and your child is trying to be like his new mates.

Sad as it is, peer pressure is a reality even at the age of four. Your child enters preschool and discovers peer pressure for the first time while playing with friends. He is learning to play cooperatively with his friends, and wants to fit in. This is when your child might announce to you that one of his friend’s has a TV in his room and that he would also like to have one.

Your best response to this would be to gently explain to your child that everyone is different with different needs, likes, and dislikes, and it is perfectly acceptable. Explain too, that different families have different sets of rules, so the way you live in your home is different to the way other people live in their homes.

More questions

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Children can learn how to tell lies from a very early age, commonly by around three years of age.

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My child is exhibiting some sexualised behaviour ... should I be concerned?

Why does my child ignore me when say "no"?

Defiance is the way that a preschool child asserts himself. He wants to show the world that he has his own identity and is not as dependent on you as he once was.

What can I do about my 2-year-old's tantrums in public?

When your two year old throws a tantrum in a public place, it can be embarrassing and upsetting.

How do I give my child a lot without spoiling her?

A parent wants their child to have everything because they love them. But showing your love without spoiling your child rotten is difficult at best.

My 4 year old is so bossy to other children. What should I do?

A bossy four year old is experimenting with her power and the affect that her words have over a situation.

Why does my two year old ignore me when I tell her "no"?

Defiance is the way that a two year old child begins to assert her independence. She wants to show the world that she has her own identity and is not as dependent on you as she once was. With this newfound independence, she will begin to ignore your demands, especially when you say, “no”.

What should I do if time outs just don’t work?

If one of your disciplinary tools it the tried and true ‘time out’, but it doesn’t seem to be working with your preschooler, it’s time to do some troubleshooting.

Time outs don’t seem to work on my two year old. What should I do?

Most parents swear by the tried and true ‘time out’, but some children it will have no effect. If you are trying to use time out to discipline your two year old, but it is not working, you need to examine exactly what you are doing.

What should I do if time outs don’t work for my preschooler?

If one of your disciplinary tools it the tried and true “time out”, but it doesn’t seem to be working with your preschooler, it’s time to do some troubleshooting.