Peer Pressure and American Teens Term Paper

Although the teen's parents may be the pillars of good and upright community and society, generally the teen is looking outward for role models. Many good role models can be found within the community in the form of sports coaches, teachers, community leaders and so forth. When a parent sees that a teen admires an individual that is of good character and lives a lifestyle that is upright and acceptable, the parent should encourage and assist the teen in interaction with that role model so that the enforcement of those standards will integrate with the teen's standards as well as thinking and reasoning processes.

It is very important to beef up the encouraging and positive talk and to infuse the teen with self-confidence. As hard as it may be, avoiding too much negativity and avoiding constant criticism as well as avoiding condemnation can be considered key in fostering healthy development in the teen individual.

The parent must remember that it is only natural that the teen will most likely 'tune' the parent 'out' on his dial and at the same time tune in to the peer group. If the parent will continue making a daily provision of compassion, praise, encouragement and above all patience the end result will be a well-developed individual who holds great respect for the parent.

Lastly, it is important that the teen eats nutritiously as well as sleeping enough hours at night. Parents who have raised teens will be the first to admit that the teen wants to stay up later than is healthy.Although it may be a struggle ensuring that the teen gets plenty of rest, exercise and eats healthy food will be worth the effort. During these hormonal and biological changes good health will be a great assistance to the teen.

Conclusion:

If the stress becomes too much for the parent of the teen there should not be embarrassment for seeking family or individual counseling. If the teen is involved with the wrong group or is engaging in risky behavior then intervention may be the safest and quickest route to avoiding life-altering situations from arising in the life of the teen. The parent that stays calm and firm in their handling of and interactions with a rebellious teen will be the most affective parent. Talking with the teen every day and in relation to every subject the teen will verbalize themselves upon is the number one rule in surviving this time as well as ensuring the teen develops in a normal, healthy manner and does not engage in any behavior or actions that will be detrimental to their future.

Bibliography

Maxwell, Kimberly a. (2002) Friendship, Peers, Influence, Teenagers, Behavior Journal of Youth and Adolescence. New York August 2002, Vol. 31. Issue. 4 p. 267

Meyerhoff, Michael K. (1999) Peer Pressure Protection. Pediatrics for Parents 1999. Vo. 18, Issue 7 P. 8

Stone, Robin D. (2004) the Company They Keep. Essence June 2004, Vol.35 Issue 2 p. 218

Peer Influences and Peer Relationships (2004) Focus Adolescent Services [Online] located at http://www.focusas.com/PeerInfluence.html

Parenting Teens (2004) located [Online] available at.....