Peer pressure is somewhat of a double edged sword. It can cause as much damage as it can help. Teenagers have so many issues to cope with on a day to day basis and the amount of peer pressure they receive can be intimidating to them. There are the daily pressures such as what to wear, the latest hair styles, the clubs at school, gangs in and out of school. Pressures from drugs to alcohol to sex.

These pressures put labels on teens. Labels that will follow them all through school, from the primary grades all through their high school years. How our teenagers deal with these pressures will affect their lives as they grow into adults. This can be a dangerouse cycle if they are not dealt with in a positive manner. Too many times, it is easy for us, as parents, to expect them to just ignore the pressures. It isn't that easy for many teens.

I have said before that it is vital to keep communication lines open with teens. Be aware of what they are dealing with. I have found that it is essential to assure our children that they are wonderful people. They can be leaders in any situation. To teach them acceptance of other people regardless of the differences. Everyone is different, it's what makes us individuals. Religion, race, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, all play an important role in our children's lives.

As adults, we don't have to agree with these differences, and maybe we don't see what an impact they have, but the fact remains, that they do. It is up to us to teach our kids not to be afraid of someone who might be a little different. It is that difference that makes them special. I believe that everyone has something to offer to society. To accept people just as they are is sometimes a difficult thing to do. But if we, as adults, teach by example, then our kids will grow with this in their lives.

What about the double edged sword? This is how I feel about it. If negative peer pressure pulls them into bad situations, then positive peer pressure can also pull them out of it. Being aware of what kids are doing, and who they are running around with is one of the most important keys to making this work. Keeping communication lines open.

Children will live what they learn at home. If they grow up with hatred they will know hatred. If they grow up with acceptance, they will be able to accept. Give them what you want out of them. Put in positive, you will get positive. Give them constant criticism, they will be professional critics. With all of the negative in the world today, we can only fix our own little pieces of the world. But if we make our little piece a positive place, then our children will have the necessary tools to continue those teachings.