Handling Peer Pressure
Working as a teacher, I see the peer pressure that kids are often up against. As a parent, I know how difficult it can be to make sure that my influence always trumps that of my children's peers. Making sure that your children have the knowledge and confidence to stand up for themselves can teach them to do the right thing when put in difficult situations. Talk to your kids about peer pressure and what to do if they are ever pressured to abuse cough medicine. Let them know that sometimes it is OK to be “uncool” if they are doing what is right. Watch the Five Moms video to give your kids concrete examples of the dangers of cough medicine. Encourage your kids to weigh these dangers against any pressure they may receive. Let them know the consequences if they give in versus the benefits they will receive if they stand up for themselves.