Teens are faced with peer pressure on a daily basis, just like their parents. The difference, however, is a parent has the knowledge and experience to avoid being adversely influenced by their friends.

Here are ten ways to deal with peer pressure you can use with your teens.

1. Strengthen your child’s self-esteem

You have more influence on your teens than you might think. Be sure they are getting positive attention from you which will strengthen their self-esteem. Asking for their opinion will also build confidence and self-esteem in your teen.

2. Talk about it

Take time to talk to your teen about peer pressure, how it might look, and how you would like them to react. Give them suggestions on how they can avoid facing peer pressure and tell them how you handled it when you were a teenager.

3. Role play with them

Act out situations they may be faced with so they’ll have an opportunity to think about their answer before it matters. These situations may include being offered drugs, alcohol, or having sex. Teach them to avoid situations in which they might be faced with tough decisions due to peer pressure.

4. Don’t overreact

Try not to overreact if they tell you they’ve already faced peer pressure, especially if they weren’t successful in combating it. Let them know you understand and hope they’ll choose differently if faced with similar situations in the future.

5. Help them consider possible consequences

Depending upon what type of peer pressure they’re being faced with, there could be dire consequences. Teenage girls who are pressured into unprotected sex can get pregnant or develop a sexual disease. Teens pressured into drinking may be in an accident which seriously injures or kills someone. You want them to know the consequences of succumbing to peer pressure can be life changing.

6. Teach your child to trust their instincts

Your teen knows when they’re being pressured, and if they’ve paid attention to your advice, know the right thing to do. Teach them to trust their own instincts when feeling pressured to do something they’re convinced is wrong.

7. Encourage your child to participate in positive activities

Sports, scouting, and band are all positive activities that help children and teens avoid situations where they may face undue peer pressure. Participating in positive activities changes the dynamics of who their friends are and the type of pressure they’ll face.

8. Spend time with your teen and their friends

Meet and spend time with your teen and their friends. Let them hang out at your home so you know what your teen is doing and where they are. You’ll also see who it is influencing your child and will be able to do some influencing of your own.

9. Teach your child to say “no”

Tell your child it’s alright to say “no.” It may help when role playing with them to give them opportunity to use no as an answer. Help them be assertive in the way they say no so they’re not seen as being passive and easily swayed.

10. Recommend alternatives

If your teen is offered drugs or alcohol, they can recommend alternatives when telling their friend “no.” They can suggest going to see a movie, playing video games at your home, or another activity they may enjoy.

Teens may face peer pressure, but you can help them face it by offering these ten ways to deal with peer pressure. It’s true that friends influence our children, but you influence them as well. Take the opportunity to use that influence to help them stand against peer pressure.