Peer Pressure 5

All this week we’ve been looking at strategies parents can enlist to help their kids deal with negative peer pressure in God-honoring ways. Today I want to encourage you to not be afraid to draw the line and say “no.” Many parents are just plain scared of their kids. The fact that they’re afraid to exercise their God-given authority over their children allows their children to intimidate them even further. I also know parents who stand up and say no when they have to. Sure, their kids gripe and moan. My kids have done the same thing to me. But even when these kids disagree with parental decisions, they still respect their parents. Why? Because those parents are actively involved in their kids lives. They love their kids and their kids know it. For these teenagers, rebellion isn’t an option they consider for long. Love your kids and express that love by saying “no” when they won’t say “no” for themselves.