Peer pressure (or social pressure) is the direct influence on people by peers, or the effect on an individual who gets encouraged to follow their peers by changing their attitudes, values or behaviors to conform to those of the influencing group or individual.[1]
We Are All Prey to Peer Pressure
Most often we think of adolescents when it comes to peer pressure. We worry our teens might be talked into participating in the party scene, choose sexual behaviors that lead to risky consequences, or even join a gang. And realistically we know this is possible.
But we shouldn’t limit our thoughts to the younger generation. How many things do we buy, or choices do we make, that are directly related to peer pressure? Do we buy basketball tickets because our buddy has them? Did we choose a vehicle that smells of success just to keep up with the Joneses? Do we hop from wine bar to wine bar simply to fit into that culture? Outside influences affect our decision-making processes more than we want to admit, but how much are we spending because of listening to those voices?
Peer Pressure in School Halls
For instance, it takes a chunk of money to get kids outfitted with clothes, books, and classroom supplies to begin a new school year. When the first day of school arrives, some students will show up wearing the latest fashionable attire, while others will not. The scene is ripe for peer pressure to walk those halls. Even kids without the trendiest jeans, shirts, shoes, and tech devices notice who’s wearing what. There’s not a lot we can do about it apart from preparing our children to stand out as confident individuals. I wonder how many young people will feel bad about themselves when they shouldn’t?
Let’s think this through a little deeper. We know some families are comfortably affluent and can afford to spend without cautionary flags. But I’d venture to say easy credit is the number one way most people pay for their purchases. There’s little effort involved because many merchants offer credit cards at the checkout counter, and even woo shoppers with sweet rewards. There’s no way the temptation to buy what we want with credit isn’t possible.
Opt Not to Endanger Financial Stability
I use credit cards, too. There’s nothing wrong with the convenience of a credit purchase if it doesn’t cripple the family with consumer debt or emotional fatigue. The more we owe, the more we endanger our financial stability and emotional well-being.
It’s smart to think through the motivation underlying the buying. Is peer pressure a factor; someone you want to impress? Will buying the right clothes really improve your daughter’s self-esteem or help her gain greater like-ability among her peers? Does your son long to be a part of a team activity that makes the purchase requested by him necessary?
Because a parent’s love runs deep, there’s a willingness to sacrifice common sense to satisfy our child’s desires. Whatever the reasons, none warrant caving in to peer pressure and overspending. If the family can’t afford to add more debt, don’t do it. Be honest with your children. Talk about peer pressure. Pray courage will be found to stand individually strong this school year.
Proverbs 31:9 Speak up and judge fairly.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peer_pressure
