How do I help my child cope with peer pressure?

Ever since he received his Spiderman toy, it has been his favorite and goes everywhere with him. However, he suddenly tells you that he does not like his Spiderman toy anymore. When you ask him why he feels this way, he will probably tell you that his friends say that Superman can beat Spiderman any day. This is typical peer pressure and your child is trying to be like his new mates.

Sad as it is, peer pressure is a reality even at the age of four. Your child enters preschool and discovers peer pressure for the first time while playing with friends. He is learning to play cooperatively with his friends, and wants to fit in. This is when your child might announce to you that one of his friend’s has a TV in his room and that he would also like to have one.

Your best response to this would be to gently explain to your child that everyone is different with different needs, likes, and dislikes, and it is perfectly acceptable. Explain too, that different families have different sets of rules, so the way you live in your home is different to the way other people live in their homes.

More questions

Our little one is in preschool. Is this a good time to get a family dog?

There is no right or wrong age to get a family dog; however, you should be mindful of your situation before you rush into things.

Encouraging imagination and creativity: how do I do it?

Your child’s imagination is not only a source of fun – it’s one of his or her most important early learning tools.

Telling lies: what to do when my preschooler tells a clear cut lie?

When you catch your preschooler telling a lie, it is natural to be worried. Parents may feel that when their child lies, it reflects on their parenting abilities.

How should I react when my child tells a lie?

When you catch your preschooler telling a lie, it is natural to be a bit upset. A parent may think that when their child lies, it reflects on their parenting skills.

My child is putting everything in his mouth. How can I stop this?

It is natural for an infant to put everything in their mouths. They are exploring shape, texture, and taste. Many children will continue this behaviour up to preschool years.

What should my preschooler be able to do by this age?

It must be understood that boys are known to develop slower than girls. Each child is different, and as long as your child is developing and progressing at a steady pace, then you have nothing to worry about.

How does development affect my 33-month-old's awareness of others?

When nearing their third birthday, children display more interest in other the moods and emotional states of people around them.

At 31 months, what important developmental signs should I look out for?

31 month olds are developing fast, and they’re learning a lot about more abstract concepts now – although that may result in some difficult to answer questions for you!

My child is 29 months old. What major developmental milestones should I watch for?

As your child nears the mid point between his or her second and third birthdays, there are several developmental milestones you can expect.