Child Abuse: Silent Generational Killer.

After eight years of waiting to have a child with attendant perpetual threat of being sent off her matrimonial home by in-laws, Chinwe had a bundle of joy, Chizoba. She was all she and her husband looked forward to. Suddenly Chinwe became the jewel of her in-laws after finally bearing them a child.(In the African setting, a wife that bears no child is of little or no value to her in-laws). Not too long after, Chigozie (another child-boy) came forth after her and also Chineye. As though from one challenge to the other, Chinwe's husband lost her job within the space of eight years that their three children came. Everywhere her husband sort for employment nothing fruitful came as hard as he tried. Chinwe, who has hitherto not been in active work, (as full time house wife) rose up to support her home by taking to bread and sachet water selling. She soon co-opted her eldest child, Chizoba into this family 'crusade' for economic revival. While she -Chinwe goes to hawk bread, she sends Chizoba to hawk sachet water along side in traffic. Their little effort each evening was fetching the family some meager income. On one fateful evening, as Chinwe and Chizoba went on their sales trip, whilst running after a bus to collect money from a customer who bought two sachets of water in a moving bus, she ran into the path of a fast moving motorcycle. This motorcycle rider knocked Chizoba down and sped off before he could be lynched by the angry mob. As the well meaning Samaritans picked Chizoba up and got her into a vehicle to get her to the nearest hospital to save her life, other onlookers cursed    saying : "which careless woman could have been so callous to ask such a minor to go hawk in the traffic?" On the way to the hospital, Chizoba having lost so much blood, gave up the ghost. It took a painstaking effort after a few days to locate her parents and home. Apparently Chinwe and her husband had been gripped with fear for days thinking their daughter had been kidnaped. Sadly, a greater horror awaited them. On breaking the news to Chinwe and her husband, it was too much for them to bear for a daughter that took eight years for them to get. Who is to blame? Chizoba's parents, poverty or child abuse?



*What Is Child Abuse?

Child abuse is the physical, sexual, emotional mistreatment, or neglect of children. It is also any act or series of acts of commission or omission by a parent or other caregiver that results in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child.
Child abuse can also be seen as a situation whereby the fundamental human rights of a child is tampered with. That is, the child is not given adequate care and protection as its the responsibility of every parent to take care of their children. These rights are rights to education, religion, freedom, movement, shelter etc.

Although child abuse occurs, it has received and is given little attention.
Child abuse is more than bruises and broken bones. While physical abuse might be the most visible sign,other types of abuse, such as emotional abuse or child neglect,also leave deep long lasting scars.
Child abuse doesn't only happen in poor families or bad neighborhoods. It crosses all racial, economic, religious and cultural lines.


* Categories Of Child Abuse-

-Child sexual abuse
-Psychological/emotional abuse
-Physical abuse
-Verbal abuse
-Neglect
-Child labour

*Causes Of Child Abuse-

"Child abuse is a problem no one really talks about. Abuse and neglect is the number 1 cause of injury to children in the country. More children die of abuse or neglect than of natural causes." --Donna Miller

Child abuse is a complex phenomenon with multiple causes. Understanding the causes of abuse is crucial to addressing the problem of child abuse.

The causes of child abuse are multi-faceted and can't be narrowed down to a single cause. Oftentimes, there are multiple factors at play. For instance, a father may be an alcoholic and part of a family system that is caught up in a cycle of abuse that spans generations of the family. In this case, the alcoholic may be a contributing factor to the dysfunction, but there is also the generational factor to consider.

Thus, in analyzing the causes of child abuse, it's easier to break it down into sub-categories which put children at risk for abuse and neglect. These include the social-economic causes of child abuse, the family environment, parental profile, and child-related characteristics. The term "causes of child abuse" is in reality talking about the conditions which may make child abuse more likely.

*Causes Of Child Abuse Under Three Major Causes- 


*Social-Economic Causes-

1. Family Income Level-
The U.S. government's Third National Incidence Study of Child Abuse and Neglect (NIS-3) found that compared to families with incomes over $30,000 a year, children in families with incomes less than $15,000 a year: were almost 14 times more likely to be harmed by some variety of abuse almost 16 times more likely to be a victim of physical abuse
almost 18 times more likely to be sexually abused. To give you some idea of what "poor" means in the U.S., the 2009 poverty level in the United States for a family of 4 is $22,050. The 2009 poverty level for a family of 2 is $14,570.

The National Coalition for Child Protection Reform makes the case that sometimes economic conditions and the way the laws are written unfairly tarnish the poor with abuse claims. For example, if a single mother of two confined to a wheelchair lost her housekeeping help due to state or federal budget cuts, her filthy house could become grounds to take her children away. She would thus be "neglecting" her children and they may end up being put up for foster care adoption. However, it was because she could not afford to keep house, not because she intentionally neglected her children.

 2. Differing Cultural Values-
The line for what constitutes child abuse is different across cultures all over the world. For instance, the standards for what constitutes accepted forms of physical punishment differs across the world. For instance, in Nigeria, as it is in the case of Chinwe and her daughter Chizoba who lost her life as a result of child abuse, it is yet to be widely accepted here in Nigeria, Africa and most third world countries that for children to help out in the income generation of the family is child abuse. (Hence such an awareness as this by us at C.H.A.N.G.E. Catalysts and many other like minded not-for-profit organisations in Nigeria. In South Korea if a high school student came in drunk to class, the teacher would be well within his rights to "beat him up" with his fists. Obviously, these examples would be unacceptable in the U.S. Canada or Europe.

 3. Institutionalised Manifestations Of Abuse-
Sometimes, institutionalised practices and/or norms end up making the environment hospitable for child abuse. For instance, cultural and societal norms protecting female circumcision (also referred to as female genital cutting or female genital mutilation) "institutionalise" this practice in certain parts of the world. In the United States female genital mutilation became a federal crime effective April 1997. Typically, FGC is performed by women with no medical training (and no anesthetic) and involves removing the clitoris and possibly sewing up the girl or woman's vagina. The clitoris is the part of the woman's vagina responsible for feelings of sexual pleasure. You can already see why it's such a barbaric form of child abuse. Even though there is campaign against such acts in Africa and Nigeria, there are still pockets of such acts staunchly institutionally supported in some parts of Africa. But it's the institutionalised attitudes of the society that allow it to happen. Some of these attitudes include believing it will ensure their daughters are seen as "pure" by potential husbands and will ensure she remains faithful to her husband in the future.


*Family Environment-

1. Domestic Violence-
When domestic violence is present, one parent may not be able to protect the child from another parent's abusive behaviour because that parent is also being abused. Children may be harmed while trying to protect a parent from domestic violence or as a result of the violence.

2. Single Parents-
Studies found that children of single parents were at higher risk of physical abuse and of all types of neglect and were overrepresented among seriously injured, moderately injured, and endangered children. Typically, a single parent family has less income than a two-parent household and the single parent is trying to do the job of two parents. Thus, in the worst cases, their lack of adequate social and economic supports may make the conditions ripe for abuse.

3. Child-Rearing Practices-
In the United States, immigrants (like Africans, Asians) immigrate with their cultural heritage, including how to parent children. What may not have been considered child abuse in their home country could be construed as abuse in the U.S. In addition, child-rearing practices that are more punishment-oriented create a greater risk of child abuse.


*Parental Profile-

1. Age Of he Parents-
Teenage parents are at high risk for abusing their children because they themselves are not fully developed adults. They are not as well-equipped to respond to the needs of their children because theirs may have not been met.

2. Low Self-Confidence-
Parents with low self-esteem are more susceptible to abusing their children because they often see themselves as worthless and may take out their feelings of inadequacy on their children.

3. Past History Of Abuse-
Parents with a past history of abuse may repeat their own experiences with their children if they did not come to terms with it and learn new coping strategies and skills.

 4. Drug And Alcohol Problems-
Parents with drug and alcohol problems are at a much higher risk of abusing their children. Parents with drug and alcohol problems are 3 times more likely to physically or sexually assault their children than those parents without such problems.

5. Mental Health Problems-
Parents suffering from depression or a psychiatric illness are at a much higher risk of abusing and/or neglecting their children's needs.

6. Low Prevalence Of Social Ties-
Parents with abusive "secrets" to keep may shun community contact and have few family connections to provide other means of social support needed by the children.


7. Refusal To Believe Their Way Of Parenting Is Wrong-
An entitlement mentality of "This is the way I was raised and I turned out just fine" as a way to justify abusive parenting tactics.

8. The parent is mentally handicapped in a way that doesn't enable him or her to provide proper care for their child (ren).

9. Having unrealistic expectations for their children and little knowledge of the developmental stages children go through.

Children need predictability, structure, clear boundaries, and the knowledge that their parents and everyone is looking out for their safety.

*Statistics On Child Abuse- 

The child abuse statistics around the world indicate that the number and rate of deaths due to child abuse and neglect have been increasing in general. These estimates are influenced by which countries report data. Some of the increase can be traced to the improved data collection and recording, but not all causes of the increase can be identified.

Studies show that girls are 3 times more likely to be sexually assaulted than boys. However, boys were 24% more likely to be seriously injured than girls and were 18% more likely to be neglected than girls.

For 2005, the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) reported an estimated 1,460 child fatalities. This translates to a rate of 1.96 children per 100,000 children in the general population. NCANDS defines "child fatality" as the death of a child caused by an injury resulting from abuse or neglect, or where abuse or neglect was a contributing factor.
Research indicates children aged 3 years or less are most often the victims of child fatalities.

*Child Abuse Statistics Regarding Family Structure-

Children of single parents were at higher risk of physical abuse and of all types of neglect and were overrepresented among seriously injured, moderately injured, and endangered children. Compared with their counterparts living with both parents, children in single-parent families had:

1. A 77% greater risk of being harmed by physical abuse (using the stringent Harm Standard) and a 63% greater risk of experiencing any countable physical abuse (using the Endangerment Standard)

2. An 87% greater risk of being harmed by physical neglect and a 165% greater risk of experiencing any countable physical neglect.

3. 74% greater risk of being harmed by emotional neglect and a 64% greater risk of experiencing any countable emotional neglect.

4. 220% (or more than three times) greater risk of being educationally neglected.

5. An approximately 80% greater risk of suffering serious injury or harm from abuse or neglect.

6. An approximately 90% greater risk of receiving moderate injury or harm as a result of child maltreatment.

7. A 120% (or more than two times) greater risk of being endangered by some type of child abuse or neglect.

8. Among children in single-parent households, those living with only their fathers were approximately one and two-thirds times more likely to be physically abused than those living with only their mothers

*Effects Of Child Abuse-

Think about the effects of child abuse as recovering from a bad case of the flu. It's doable, but as with recovering from any kind of sickness, it's helpful to understand what's going on. When you understand how past child abuse impacts you today, then you begin to see the areas you need to work on and steps you can take to enhance your recovery.


-What are some child abuse effects for adult survivors?

1. Feeling guilty for no apparent reason (excessive apologising to others for the smallest of mistakes).

2. Feeling depressed or completely alone.

3. Trouble recalling events (can't remember that movie you saw two days ago?)

4. Weight or body image issues.

5. Drug or alcohol problems.

6. You find it difficult to be happy and wonder why everyone else is so happy all the time.

7. Poor performance at school or work.

8. You feel like your life is out of control

9. You think about suicide on a regular basis.

10. You have trouble receiving compliments from others.

11. You have trouble giving or receiving affection (e.g., you find it hard to hug others).

12. You have trouble with healthy, intimate relationships.

If any of the above sounds like what you experience (or have experienced) on an ongoing basis, you may be suffering from the effects of child abuse. Congratulations for making it this far! It shows you're thinking seriously about your personal development and what you need to do to help yourself heal.


*Simple Steps for Dealing With the Effects of Child Abuse In Addition To Therapy That Will Enhance Your Recovery

Here are some simple things for you to try in terms of coping with the above effects. These are not substitutes for finding a good therapist to help you work out your issues. It's like recovering from the flu - these are things you can do that will enhance your recovery.

1. Exercise - Hit the gym, go for a jog, or any other physical activity. Besides helping to release endorphins (the brain chemicals that help make us happy), exercise is good for weight control and confidence building.

2. Find a hobby you enjoy that relaxes you and engages you at the same time (not television). Try to imagine what you would like to do all day if you could. Would you sail? Knit? Write a book? Pick something that supercharges your imagination or taps into a skill you'd like to improve or learn.

3. Take 15-20 minutes a day and meditate. Breathe in and out slowly. Try sitting still. Focus on your breath. Try to still your mind. Let the thoughts go quietly out of your mind. If you find it hard to relax and focus while you meditate, you may want to try this meditation audio program. It has helped a great many relax and recover.

4. Spiritual exercises (prayers, fasting, deliverance, counseling, fellowship etc.) will be of great therapeutic help in a world that is fast losing grip of real solutions to lives ever teeming challenges that defy human wisdom.

*Ridding Our Society Of Child Abuse-

1. The place of continuous and massive global awareness campaigns, such as this article through this blog is aimed at can't be over emphasised. Our people of different cultures, races, beliefs, practices need to be educated on this societal ill so as to rid our society of it. This is not to say there hasn't be this over the decades, but the realities of our times proves that this campaign must never stop as our societies are dynamic and ever metamorphosising.

2. This campaign can also be achieved by other means such as : education, walks, symposium, seminars, conferences, active advocacy, reformation in children friendly Government policies, enforcement of child rights etc.

"A society that takes for granted the care of its children is subtly mortgaging its future and signing on for generational genocide."
-Oladele Olunike, C.O.O The Richmond Johnson Academy For Social Polish.

Ridding our society of this subtle killer of our future-children and promoter of a deformed society should be the collective concern of all of us whether you are a child advocate or not, as there is no doubt that you my reader are someone's child, a victim of child abuse, a would-be parent or a part of our society. Hence this onus is on all of us to arise like never before to make child abuse a thing of the past.

Overcoming Peer Pressure.

In my penultimate post titled "Beware Of Peer Pressure", I extensively dealt with this subject and it is my belief that quite a number of those of you our dear readers/ visitors to our blog so far found our views very enriching and helpful...teeming readers/ visitors are still swelling and we are receiving very encouraging feedback from different parts of the globe. Thanks to your thirst to find helpful solutions to personal challenges. While some of you our dear readers/ visitors are just expressing your good taste for knowledge and to keep getting informed. For it was the sixteenth President of America, Abraham Lincoln who said: "You are old, whether at eighty or at twenty when you STOP to learn." (Emphasis mine). So I urge you like me, to keep seeking to get informed.

This current post is a sequel to my penultimate post as one may realise that it is not possible to satisfactorily exhaust the cogent issues on "Peer Pressure" in just one blog post. Hence I have captioned this "Overcoming Peer Pressure." In preparing for this post, as my custom is, in addition to my existing knowledge on my subject, personal experiences, I also search out what other authorities on my subject have said or are saying. In doing this I pleasingly stumbled on a number of short articles by notable authorities that satisfactorily deals with different segments of what I intend to share with you on the above subject. Waoh!  How pleasing? So my thinking at this discovery was, "why should I re-invent the wheel" when what I intend to write on has been written in the way I want it shared? So in view of this, for the first time in the life of our blog- C.H.A.N.G.E. Catalysts, I will be making this post a compilation of short articles on different segments of my subject to make up what I intend to share with you. I will also ethically acknowledge the sources of this snippets. As my style is I will through this post be talking to both children and parents.

Please enjoy the excerpts below arranged under different sub-topics that holistically helps with "Overcoming Peer Pressure"

Peer pressure is more of a problem than ever. Our children deal with more pressures from more directions than ever. The most important weapon is talking daily with your kids.

I hear parents say, "My kids don't talk to me about any thing". My question is, are you waiting for them to speak first? If you never taught them how to talk to you, then you should understand why they won't talk to you. Children learn from parents setting the example on so many things.

Most of the experts say that peer pressure starts in kindergarten or first grade. Some think it starts between eight and ten years old. To me it doesn't matter when it starts, its when you start teaching your child how to deal with it. Peer pressure forces them to make decisions they may not be ready to make. For that reason some will choose to drink alcohol, smoke, try drugs and even start having sex. Do you want your children making these choices unprepared?

I feel babies even a few months old can learn. If you are talking to them, playing games, laughing, or just holding them, they can learn. They don't understand what's going on now, but if you keep doing these things every day of every month of every year they will, at some point, begin to imitate you. So if from the beginning you do nothing then don't wonder why you can't connect when they are 13 years old. The future for a baby is blank and it's up to you, parents, to give them the skills to learn how to make the right choices.

You need to print the information, study it and go over it with your child.
This will get you started in helping your children make the right choices when they encounter peer pressure.

-About Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is when a child does something he or she does not want to do as a result of being pressured by peers. All children experience peer pressure and give in to it at one time or another. Here are some steps parents can take to minimize its effects:

Family is important to teens:

* Develop a close, open, and honest relationship with your children so that children will want to identify with and work to please their parents. These children are much more likely to come to their parents when they are in trouble or are having problems. Talk to children about morals and values -- the best defense against peer pressure.

* Help children understand peer pressure so they will be better able to stand up to peer pressure and the suggestions of bad companions. Let them know peer pressure is something all children and adults experience at some time and it is normal to want to fit in. Gangs are less attractive to children who get their needs met at home.

* Plan regular and frequent activities the whole family can participate in such as picnics, hiking, sports, etc. Parents who spend quality time develop close relationships with their children; thus children are less likely to give in to peer pressure or gangs. "The family has to be the better gang."
 Louis Gonzales, Ph.D.
Stay Involved in Your Child's Life

* Encourage friendships with positive role models and join groups or activities which involve interacting with positive role models, (i.e. scouting, sports, church groups)

* Get to know our children’s friends and their parents to see if they are a positive influence, and have similar values.

* Know where your children are and what they are doing. Supervise them at home and know where they are, whom they are with and what they are doing.

* Don"t criticize the children's friends who might be a bad influence. They will become defensive and continue to be with them. Do discuss specific behaviors and actions. "It seems like every time you are with Tom you get grounded."

* Encourage a wide variety of friends. This promotes individuality and makes it less likely for children to give in to peer pressure from any one group.

* Teach responsibility. Responsible children consider their options. They tend to cooperate more consciously than "people-pleasers," (children who are motivated by approval) by considering their options rather than automatically making choices to avoid conflict or negative reactions from someone.
 

Help Your Child Develop a Positive Self-Image

Encourage individuality and independence by modeling or demonstrating those behaviors. Parents who resist peer pressure are teaching their children to do the same. Discuss independence with our children and stress the importance of being one’s own person and doing what one feels is right.

Teach assertiveness through role playing so that children will be able to standup for what they believe is right. We can also teach problem solving when children are faced with peer pressure by suggesting alternative activities or explaining why they refuse to participate in a certain activity.
Praise assertiveness—behavior that is praised is much more likely to be repeated.

Provide appropriate discipline when children give into peer pressure such as restitution, restricting privileges, or not letting the child spend time with the friend or friends with whom he got into trouble.

If you are suspicious your child may have given in to peer pressure, try to figure out the reason the child has given into peer pressure and address it. If they lack self-confidence or self-esteem, then work on building those qualities.

Seek help if a child is consistently giving into peer pressure.

Signs of Peer Pressure:

* Excessive demands for material things his friends has

* Disregarding your rules in order to do things with friends

* Stealing with friends

* Any hint of alcohol or drugs

* Teens seriously misleading you about friends or whereabouts

* Doing things to avoid rejection, like complying or conforming with friends

Show Teens We Care:

* Always take time to really listen

* Give children privacy; teens need space

* Be accepting of our children, not too critical

* Don't rush the teen years or raise false expectations

* Develop a strong sense of family unity by spending time together

* Talk about sex, drugs and alcohol!

Culled from  A-Better-Child.org


Your child faces a number of tough decisions in her life. Since making friends and fitting in are important to many children, peer pressure has a big impact on decisions, especially on those about drug, alcohol, and tobacco use. Children may be afraid that if they say no to something harmful, they won't be accepted. It is important that you teach your child about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. Other important skills your child needs are refusal skills. If you teach her how to say no to dangerous situations, she will feel more confident in her decisions. There are a number of ways your child can refuse drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. Following is a guide for teaching your child refusal skills.

-Ways To Say No

Say, "No, thanks." It could be just as easy as that! However, if the person offering the cigarette, beer, or joint persists, your child will have to back up her "No thanks" with other tactics.
Be a broken record. Tell your child to keep saying no as many times as he needs to, either to cause the person pressuring them to stop, or to stall until he can think of something else to say.
Give a reason. This reason could be simply, "I'm not allowed to do that," or, "That's bad for you." It could state the consequences, such as, "I don't want to do that; it will make me sick," or, "You can die from doing that." The important thing is that your child state her reason for saying no with confidence. It's important for your child not to get into an argument; the goal is to refuse what is being offered.
Walk away or ignore the offer. This doesn't work in all situations. Sometimes your child will be alone or in some other situation where he can't walk away.
Change the subject or suggest doing something else. By saying, "Let's do... instead," your child has the potential to not only refuse an offer of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, but to prevent a friend from using them too.
Assert yourself. This is an important part of all the above tactics. If your child can stick up for herself, she is learning an important life skill. Being able to state your position assertively is a trait that we value in adults, so if your child learns it now, she will be better off in the future.

Remember, the best way to refuse drugs, alcohol, and tobacco is to spend time with people who don't use these substances. Help your children establish positive friendships, and monitor your child's activities.

-Put It Into Practice

Once you teach your child refusal skills, it is important that you practice them with him. Different aged children may face different situations, and it's important to make sure you practice with situations that may actually happen. Start by asking your child what he does when someone tries to get him to do something he doesn't want to do. Do a number of role-play situations in which you pose as the offerer, and have your child practice different ways to say "no." When you are finished, your child should feel confident that he has the power to make the right choice.

Culled from http://www.family.samhsa.gov/teach/refusal.aspx

-10 Ways You Can Help Your Child Cope With Peer Pressure

Standing up to peer pressure is one of the greatest challenges that children face. Many are unable to stand up to the challenge and are led into participating in risky or even illegal activities. Help your child deal with peer pressures by doing the following:

1. Strengthen the bond with your child. He will be more likely to respect your views and values and better able to resist peer pressure if he has a good relationship with you and feels you are a source of support. This bond needs to be nurtured long before your child's teenage years.

2. Promote your child's self-esteem. Children who are confident and have positive self-worth are more likely to pursue friendships with children who are good role models and better able to resist negative peer pressure. Find opportunities to boost your child's self-esteem and enjoy success by involving him in activities that capitalise on his strengths and interests. And, of course, praise him for things he does well at home.

3. Set a good example. Your child is a keen observer of what you do and may learn more from what he sees than what he hears. If he sees that you are constantly striving to keep up with other parents, he will likely do the same with his peers. If he sees you drinking and smoking, he is less likely to resist engaging in these behaviors. If you do drink or smoke, giving it up will make a vivid impression on him.

4. Talk with your child about peer pressure. Let your child know that you understand how hard it can be at his age to do things that make him stand out. Tell him that his peers may respect his decision not to join them in an activity even though they may not express it, and that some may even admire his courage in resisting what they could not. Help him understand that a friend who is pressuring him to do something that may be harmful is not much of a friend. Appeal to his desire for autonomy by encouraging him not to let others manipulate or make decisions for him.

5. Avoid overreacting when talking about peer issues. Your child may tell you things that may make your jaw drop. If you overreact, you will discourage him from talking with you about these issues again. At the same time use these teachable moments to introduce some cautions without moralising  or lecturing. Although it may seem as though he is dismissing what you are saying, he will hear you.

6. Choose your battles carefully. Don't make an issue out of your child's wanting to wear the same clothes as his friends or adopt a trendy hairstyle. Make your stand on high-risk peer behavior. Battling your child constantly over minor issues may drive your child toward peers who are similarly alienated from their parents. Not sweating the small stuff will enable you to be more effective when you challenge him on the larger issues.

7. Help your child develop good decision-making skills. If he can learn to trust his own instincts when making decisions, he will be less likely to let others make decisions for him. Encourage him to think through the possible consequences of the decision he is facing, including whether it may cause him harm. Let him know that giving in to the pressure now may make life harder for him later on.

8. Help your child develop responses to peers. Help him figure out what to say to peers who are pressuring him to participate in high-risk activities. Suggest responses that are short and simple and that he can say comfortably. If he is receptive, role-play with him or encourage him to practice in front of a mirror.

9. Get to know your child's friends. Make a point of encouraging your child to invite his friends home. Spend some time with them and assess whether they are positive influences.

10. Don't hesitate to set limits for your child. Your willingness to say no to him sets a good example and may help give him the courage to say no to a peer when faced with a potentially harmful situation.

Culled from http://www.freearticles.com/article/10-Ways-You-Can-Help-Your-Child-Cope-With-Peer-Pressure/668

I must say at this juncture that the task of helping our children overcome peer pressure is one that knows no end. Infact we as parents must make it as part of our parental grooming skills as soon as we begin to raise children biological or as caregivers to others. One thing is important; our tact in handling this task with our children/teens. How tactful we are determines a great deal the success we come out with.

Peer pressure (negative) like every behaviourial challenge can be overcome by our children/ teens but we must be there for them as their greatest backbone to walk them through it. One fulfilling thing is if we succeed with them, they will succeed with others (friends of theirs). To parents who are about throwing in the towel on redeeming your children/ teens on the 'prodigal journey' that negative peer pressure has taken them there is hope if you will apply assiduously these few suggestions I have sourced out for you. I wish you and your children/ teens all the best! You will succeed with them!