The influence of the peers is deep in our lives, even if we do not don't realize it. There is a lot that you learn from your friends and lots that they learn from you just by spending time with each other. It comes very naturally to us that we learn from others as we listen to them at this age. The influence of the peers can be positive or negative. It can be that your friend has taught you an easy way of learning your lessons. Admiration of a friend or a group of friends develops at this age. This is usually for the boys and girls who are smarter than you. It can also be that you become a source of influence for others. But sometimes peers influence each other in negative ways. Like there can be a set of students who try to bunk their classes and provoke you to do the same. Shoplifting, drugs, cigarettes are also results of peer pressure. In the pressure to be a part of a particular group we may do things against our own wishes and enter the loop. Some kids give in to peer pressure because they want to be liked, to fit in, or because they worry that other kids may make fun of them if they don't go along with the group.

Totally Agreed, youngsters especially in their teens face a lot of peer pressure dese days.Especially when its exam time this fear just worsens. I remeber my mom also used to tell me that Sonia, my best friend scored 95 % and I only 93%. I hated it when it is used to be exams and I was always compared with her. I used to be shit scared thinking what if I fail

Kids in my opinion should really be allowed a certain amount of freedom in choosing what they want to do and this comparing with other kids is nothing somethign which helps a kid atall... it just creates an inferiority complex.. after all not every one has the same bent of mind or can do equally good as the toppers do.

Parents should think about their own childhood once before kicking the confidence out of their kids by giving them examples and all that.

I agree with Shama, there should be a limit to thw amount of freedom a child is given, if not then that child will only go behind your back and do what you dont want them to do. I think reasons should be given if you dont want your child to do something as with a reason you can justify what your saying and it also helps your child to understand your reasons!

But with time its important to let them do things (obviously good), which other kids do too!

Adolescence is a crucial stage for a child. That is the stage wherein they discover, experiment and develop themselves. They are exposed to different kinds of situation and they can be easily influenced, especially by their peers, right? As a parent, we have to let them feel they are supported and guided. We have to gain their trust so that it would be easier for them to open up with us. It would be better to make friends with their friends as well, what do you think?

You are right there bethoven. As our children enter the age of puberty and early adolescence it is best to guide them from the backstage and be friends with them.

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I have to agree that peers have a huge influence on our kids. You can instore values in your child and once they meet a friend who is a bad influence, everything you have taught them goes out of their heads! This is why it is so important to know who your teens are hanging out with.

During puberty stage, children had a strong beliefs with their peers than parents. That's why parents should be more aware with the friends of his/her children.However, you should also be careful in guiding your children, because in this stage they are more sensitive that before. Why don't you try to make friend with you children peers? So that they have an old friend whom they can ask for advice or can guide them into the right path?

I totally agree to this parents should be supportive and get to know their child's peers. I wish my mom would be so open to this things before.

Adolescence is the most sensitive period of growing up. Parents should try to understand their children more and to meet their needs for independence and dependence.

peer pressure is really strong. but let the child choose who are the people they would like to befriend, but parents should be there always to guide them. let the child bring his friends at home, so parents can get to know them. tell the kids the pros and cons with the friends they choose.

You're perfectly right, redamethyst. Especially during adolescent stage of your children, they are more with their friends. How do you manage your bond with your kids and their friends?

Well, I suggest just be friend with your kids friend. That way they could be open to you as their friend too. This is what my mom did to me during that stage. Do you that it was effective?

Yes, it is very important that they would have an older peers who could guide them. I know it is very important to be connected with our kids. I observed that some parents would even dress like them. Do you think it would be proper?

That could be an effective strategy to continue guiding your kids is to make

friends with their friend. How many of you here who is doing like this, guys?

I don't think it would be necessary for parents to dress up like them. You just to have act naturally. Just be their number one supporter and everything will fall into place. With regard to their peers, it would be good to make friends with them. What could be the effective way to be connected with their peers?

I guess, it's not necessary that parents would dressed up like their kids just to

be "in" with their trend. Just by being friendly with their friends is enough. Of

course, they have to be "in" with their expression. Do you know that it is very

fun to be with them? It would also makes you feel young.

I really enjoy my 18 year old son's friends. I would not say I'm their friend but we can make jokes and they enjoy coming to our house. They know what the rules are and are quite comfortable with them. I don't make issues out of things like clothes and music so they appreciate that.