Power of Parents ® Middle School Handbook
Chapter 5
Dealing with Peer Pressure
Sometimes youth face situations where they are pressured to do something they would rather not do. For example, a friend might push them to try a sip of alcohol when they don’t want to. You can empower your child by talking to them about ways they can say no without feeling weird or left out. Talk with them about using ACTIVE and PASSIVE refusal strategies if they are offered alcohol or other substances.
Your child might be told:
Refusal Strategy:
Your teen could say:
ACTIVE Take a stand
“Come on, everyone has tried it.”
“No, I don’t do drugs.”
“If you won’t drink with us, then why are you hanging out with us?”
“Sorry, I just have an early game tomorrow morning and need to be ready.”
PASSIVE Make an excuse
ACTIVE Make a statement
“We drank once before, so what’s the problem now?”
“I know, and I’m not making that mistake again.”
“No, but you’re going to be scared when we watch that new scary movie I was telling you about!”
PASSIVE Suggest an alternative
“Come on, are you scared?”
“Oh my gosh that reminds me—if I don’t water the plants my mom will be so mad! I have to go.”
“It’s the perfect chance with your parents out of town! It’s now or never.”
PASSIVE Change the subject
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