Kids can say or do the darnest of things. These things can either bring smiles to our faces, or could piss us off. But we have to admit, we went through the same silliness back when we were still kids. I for one am guilty of doing ridiculous things!

1. Beg to death - Back then, I would always cry for the simplest of reasons. It’s not that I would want to make my parents life a living hell, but, I am customized to get what I always wanted. If I want a toy that they wouldn’t give me, I would cry out loud until they do. I realized now that I was a spoiled kid and I hope they don’t do that to me in the future when I am the one taking care of them already.
2. Office calls - I habitually call my dad or mom’s office from time to time and when someone answers the phone, I would just say, “where is my mom?”, her secretary would just hand over the phone to my mom because she knows me. One day, his boss answered the phone. Good thing he was witty and as I remember it clearly, he said to me, “There is no one here by that name (Mommy)”.

3. Playing with anything – We as kids would play with anything. We like to touch to satisfy the urge of our curious minds. One day at the mall, we were at the department store and while mom was choosing a dress, I went to the side where there were small rooms with cloth doors. I know you know what that is and guess what? I ran from one door to another, opening those cloth curtains without knowing that those were fitting rooms. The guys there must have thanked me a lot!
4. Pets – Kids like pets, especially dogs. But having a mom who doesn’t like one make kids sad and missing the opportunity to play with one, kids consider alternatives. We have this love bird and of course, I have to attach a string to the bird’s feet so it wouldn’t fly away. Since I can’t play with the bird like a dog, I attached the bird to a remote controlled vehicle just like in one of the Home Alone series and throttled it away. I guess the birds in the movies are not as wise as it is in reality. It got dragged and was killed. I told my mom a cat ate it. Lame excuse, I know.

5. Curiosity – Kids are very curious about anything and as I’ve mentioned in one of the numbers above, kids like to touch everything and ask about anything. Outside the school, there was 2 stray dogs humping like there was no tomorrow. We just stood there watching them without knowing what the hell they are doing. At home, I described it to my mom and she said that they were making puppies. One night, I saw my parents room open and guess what, they were making… Puppies!!!

Of course, the last one was made up and is just something to laugh at. But then, I simply laugh at myself as I remember these things. Just imagine how embarrassing I was to my mom! But hey, because I was still a kid back then, the excuse of being childish is always valid.

Believe it or not, peer pressure begins as early as the toddler years. For some it never entirely disappears

In varying degrees, peer pressure affects all of us. It fuels fads and influences what wristwatch to wear, what car to drive, and where to go for our vacations. And if even well-adjusted adults feel the pressure to measure up, imagine for a teenager. The teen years are very confusing times, as the child defines his personality, identity and sexuality. And they are more vulnerable to negative peer pressure because he spends more time with their peers than with you.

So, here are a few steps on how we can protect them,if not entirely, but at least to the extent where they won’t go the wrong way.

1. Set crystal clear boundaries - when they are young, rules give babies ab toddlers structure. As they get older, rules provide guidance and needed boundaries. They will try to test your values and it is important not to back down on your own rules.

2. Be a better listener - I know we are good listeners, but, the key is to step it up a notch. Develop a bond with your children that will make them go to you when their feelings are hurt. When your grade-schooler tells you he’s not part of the “cool kids” gang in school, don’t trivialize his feelings by saying “You shouldn’t be upset with that”. Listen to the complaints.

3. Talk with them about peer pressure - Tell your preteen about peer pressure before it happens. You can say, “One of these days, your friends will tell you it’s cool to smoke,drink alcohol, or try a joint, but always but always think about the consequences of your actions. Smoking causes cancer, alcohol can get addictive, and these can affect your grades..”

4. Keep ‘em busy - Your teens cannot hangout if their days are filled with productive activities such as sports, crafts, church choir or other social programs.

5. Do not attack your kid’s friends - Teens will take it personally if they will attack their friends. Instead of saying that their friends are losers or bad influences, try saying that they have shifted priorities and say the consequences which you can point out without being judgemental.

Bottom line is to stay involved in your child’s life no matter what age. Your role, and in the future, will be my role as well, is to guide but not decide for them. When you do, you help your child have the best chance of finding the right balance between their individuality and accepting group beliefs.