During a teachable moment, tell your child what you think makes you a special and unique person. Talk about people the child loves and ask what makes these people individuals. Ask what your child likes about his or her own individuality, and add any nice characteristics that your child might leave out. While your child is working on this, make a list of your own. Make a game of seeing how many of the same characteristics you both have on your lists.
Most parents teach their children to be police, respectful, and agreeable.
While these are good traits in most situations, they do not necessarily prepare a child to stand up for himself or herself. Tell your child that there are certain times one must insist on respect. These times include when peers push alcohol or other drugs at the child. Know the facts about drinking and other drug use by youth. There are situations that encourage youthful peer pressure to drink and use other drugs.