Under pressure...

Judgment - The act or process of judging; the formation of an opinion after consideration or deliberation.

I'm not going to be speaking about David Bowie. I simply want to give another positive message. Peer pressure...sucks don't it. Upon entering high school, some parents give the other talk. The one about the dangers of high school. Some get this at an earlier age. Regardless, peer pressure is always on "the talk" menu. God forbid you get bewitched by the stoners and/or sexually active cool kids and/or party junkies. In all seriousness...it happens. We move into a new environment and get persuaded to do all types of things by the people we trust. It just happens sometimes. Peer pressure may be a cliche...but it isn't a joke. Tons of kids develop very dark habits with their peers. They may not have wanted to in the beginning, but that's where the pressure thing comes in. When kids say "They made me do it!" - Peer Pressure. Also when someone goes "Everyone else is doin it!" - Peer Pressure. Parents should really take that into consideration. There are ways to avoid being sucked into this annoying stereotype.

1. Stay away from the kids with bad habits unless you're trying to help them.
2. Have a strong sense of who you are.
3. Talk to someone if you're under pressure.
4. Know your boundaries.
5. Let people know what your boundaries are.

Peer pressure, again, is a cliche. Don't become a cliche. If you sense that you're under pressure, snap back to reality and reinforce your boundaries on yourself and your peers. Stick with the friends that don't have destructive habits. Keep a strong sense of self and that will be one less issue on your place. Just try to
beGolden - cause you are.
Jahmal