It should quickly become apparent that these choices were, to a great extent, influenced by peers. It's a fact of life that we talk, dress and act according to the standards of our friends. Reassure your child that there is nothing wrong with conforming to some group standards and behaviors. Peer influence only becomes negative when, in our desire to fit in, we do something that we know deep down we shouldn't. During this discussion, ask your child if he or she knows anyone in school who smokes.
Most young people know someone who does.
Now ask why they think that person decided to start smoking. Then ask whether smoking really does make the person look cool or tough or grown-up. As your child thinks about this, it will become clear that smoking really didn't create the image the smoker thought it would. Back to the top Peer influence only becomes negative when, in our desire to fit in, we do something that we know deep down we shouldn't. Smoking is by no means the only important decision your child will have to face.