Friend Connection

Dealing with Peer Pressure

Learn how the Friend magazine can help your family understand a different sensitive topic each month.

The kids your children interact with can have a big influence on them—and vice versa. Last month’s Friend looks at the upsides and downsides of peer pressure and encourages children to be a force for good in the lives of others. Turn to the November Friend for some help getting the conversation started!

“The Ripple Effect” (pages 36–37)

In this story, a boy learns that his attempts to share the gospel can have a wider influence than he first imagined.

“Peer Pressure Problems” (page 34)

A page of ideas for children to use if a friend or classmate tries to pressure them to do something they don’t want to do.

“Question Corner: My friends sometimes use their phones to look at bad pictures. What should I do?” (page 21)

Advice from children, for children, about this important topic.

Helping Kids Say No

• Role-play different situations at home to give your child practice.

• Let them know it’s OK to blame an escape on you. “Sorry, I have to be home. Gotta go!”

• Brainstorm escape plans as a family. For example, come up with a code word your children could use in a phone call or text message to let you know they need help getting out of a situation. Talk through how the scenario might play out.

• Reassure your children that, even when they make mistakes, you are always there to love and help them!

Scripture Support

• Nephi’s example (1 Nephi 4:2): We often think of Nephi as the good example. But who set an example for Nephi to follow? Talk about role models who have helped you make good choices.

• The Lord’s promise (D&C 6:33–37): Sometimes making the right choice is hard, and it can feel like everyone is against us. The Savior tells us that in these situations, we should still “do good” and know that He is with us.

• Daniel said no (Daniel 1:8–16): Daniel and his friends refused the food the Lord had commanded them not to eat and chose better food instead. What are some different ways you can say no to outside pressures?

Find stories, activities, and media about other gospel topics at lessonhelps.lds.org. For past Friend Connection articles, visit FriendConnection.lds.org.