March Guidance Lesson (Grade 2): Dealing with Peer Pressure

This month’s guidance lesson focused on the desire to fit in. A sense of belonging is very important to children. Each child wants to feel that she or he is a part of some social group. This month students heard a story about a boy who reluctantly does things he doesn’t feeling comfortable doing in order to fit in. In the book Sorry by Trudy Ludwig, Jack follows his friend Charlie in a series of mischievous activities in order to “fit in. Charlie tells Jack that if they get caught, all they have to do is say they’re sorry. Jack soon learns that simply saying “sorry” doesn’t make him feel better about doing unkind things, and certainly doesn’t make the targets of the gestures feel better. Following a discussion of the story, students discussed peer pressure scenarios presented to them. Students had to discuss what would happen if they gave in to the peer pressure, as well as what they could do instead of giving in.

We encourage you to talk to your child about this topic. Give some real-life examples of how you’ve had to go against the crowd before. Discuss how true friends will like you even if you make a choice not exactly like them.

The influence of friends is a powerful force in almost everyone’s life. Children face this pressure from the first time they play with other children. Although the words “fitting in” may conjure up negative images in your mind, your child’s friends can also be very positive influences in the life of your child. By staying involved in your child’s life and keeping the lines of communication open, you can more readily alert him/her to pitfalls, teach and discipline, and help him/her solve problems independently.