How to Help Your Teen Resist Peer Pressure

As both an adolescent psychologist and a mom, I have an important plea for all parents: when your teen sets a physical or emotional boundary, make it a priority to respect it.

If your teen doesn’t want to be hugged, instead of insisting, “Oh, come on, I need a hug,” take a step back and honor their space.

If they feel hurt by your words, rather than dismissing them with “loosen up” or “stop being so dramatic,” take the time to acknowledge their feelings and apologize.

If they ask you to stop yelling at them, instead of calling them disrespectful, pause, take a deep breath, and show them what respectful communication looks like.

But why is this so important?

We MUST teach teens to trust their inner voice. It's essential for their safety, confidence, and well-being. When we respect their boundaries, we're validating their feelings and showing them that it’s okay to say "no" without feeling guilty.

Here's the scary truth: I’ve seen far too many teens stay silent about being assaulted or trapped in abusive relationships because they doubted their own instincts. Some go along with decisions they’re uncomfortable with because they’ve been conditioned to avoid conflict.

But now, imagine your teen confidently saying "no" to peer pressure. Picture them standing up for themselves when mistreated and listening to their gut when they sense danger. That’s the power of teaching teens to honor their own boundaries.

When we respect our teens' boundaries now, we're laying the foundation for them to navigate life with confidence and self-assurance. Let’s raise a generation that knows their worth and feels empowered to stand up for themselves.