Children are most susceptible to peer pressure when they are in their teens. You need to support them to a great extent to help them withstand such pressures.

How often have you heard, "I want to go to the party - all my friends are going!" When your child starts pressing you for permission to stay out later and later at nights, you will long for the days your child's biggest want was the latest Barbie doll or yet another bay blade. Although late night parties may not be your biggest concern, what could be worrying is when other teenagers pressure your child to smoke or drink alcohol, and he does it because he wants to fit in with the crowd.

Family support

The biggest support a child requires is that of his family. If he has a secure home front, chances of him succumbing to peer pressure are far less. Generally children who don't feel completely secure at home crave the approval of friends.

Communication

Making your child feel secure isn't just about loving your child. Almost every parent deeply loves their child. But this isn't enough. You need to be there for your child as often as possible. This doesn't mean you need to sacrifice everything and focus only on your child, but a healthy upbringing requires you to encourage communication. Make it a point to sit with your child everyday and chat with him. Listen, without breaking into lecture at every given opportunity. Much as you would like to give your child your advice and the benefit of your experience, some things children just like to do their own way, and learn by their own experiences. Further, if you start lecturing your child all the time, he will stop seeking you out to talk, and may find support only amongst his friends. This will make him even more desirous of fitting in with the gang.

Other parents

Get to know the parents of your child's friends. This is important, as you can then work with the parents to curtail any bad habits you feel your child or his friends are picking up.

If your child wants to stay out late at night because all his other friends are doing the same, you could speak with the other parents and come up with a mutually acceptable deadline for all children.

Don't go out of your way to know the parents of all his friends. This is not necessary. But even if you know a few likeminded parents and you all try and impose the same values on your children, they will be much more receptive. At regular intervals invite your child's friends over for dinner, along with their parents.