Let them know what the consequences are and how embarrassing it has been for you to face your family with this disgrace. Try to impress upon them that you want their lives to be free from this type of guilt, shame and embarrassment. Help them to recognize the importance of thinking for themselves and the value of avoiding things that could be detrimental to them and to their families. Self esteem is dominant in resisting peer pressure. By being good listeners, acknowledging your children's feelings and praising their positive behavior, you can help your children develop their self-image and thus be more resistant to any peer pressure that could result in regrettable behavior.
Parents can share concerns and help each other.
Confidential, informal, free, weekly meetings provide parents with support in making positive changes in parenting. Trained facilitator helps parents set agendas and help themselves find solutions for their own families. Craig Adamson Community Service Foundation offers Parent Support Groups. No charge, ongoing evening meetings where parents, grandparents, and concerned adults can talk to each other in a friendly and supportive environment about their teenagers and how to find various solutions to help them. A nationwide, non-profit organization providing resources and workshops to schools, churches and communities on school safety including Emergency Management Planning, Bullying, and In School Violence and Peer Mediation.