To prevent a child from forming friendships with peers who might lead them astray, parents should focus on building confidence and avoid criticizing the youngster. It is equally important not to forbid friendships with every questionable peer, but to help the teen see that such friends aren’t necessary for growth. This approach reflects guidance from a clinical psychologist and child development expert who emphasizes respectful, empathetic parenting.
According to this expert, adolescence is a time when teens defend their freedom and seek independence. Parental authority may wane, and teens turn to peers for validation and understanding. To curb influence from harmful social circles, parents can raise their child’s self-esteem; when teens feel capable, they are less likely to imitate negative peers.
“Learn to hear your child, not just listen. Value their opinions, and ask for their advice. Speak with a teen in a way that respects their emotional state. If the child is feeling down and unsure about talking, avoid pressure and celebrate small wins with calm praise,” advised the psychologist.
It matters how parents act as well. Demonstrating steady love, even when a teen makes mistakes, helps build trust. Confidence grows when a teen is allowed to solve problems they can handle instead of having every move controlled by adults.
“Avoid harsh criticism of a teenager; it wounds pride. Respect their interests and hobbies, within reasonable limits. Remember that education aims to foster independence, and parental support often matters more than strict restrictions,” explained the expert.
He noted that many teens who feel neglected at home gravitate toward risky social circles. Children who sense a lack of understanding or who struggle to defend their own views may seek belonging elsewhere.
“If a teen already travels down a questionable path, parents should not ban all contact with the friends at once. Instead, ask thoughtful questions that help the teen reflect on the impact of those friendships. Inquire about whether a friend respects others’ boundaries, whether pressure is being applied, and whether disrespect or coercion is occurring. Use real-life moments or scenes from films to illustrate how some people can manipulate others. This helps the teen form independent thoughts without blame or quarrels,” the expert advised.
Choosing a calm time and place for conversation is key. Parents should rephrase questions in a way that relates to what they know about the teen’s circle, rather than issuing direct commands. This approach can shift the teen’s view of their friends and may lead to healthier choices or even new peer connections.
“Try to spend a weekend with the whole family that the teen would usually spend with friends. By learning the teen’s interests, parents can propose engaging activities. If there is a widening gap between parent and child, seeking help from a psychologist can be beneficial. A professional can guide the right strategies for interacting with a teen and help set a constructive path forward,” the psychologist concluded.
The guidance presented here focuses on resilience, open dialogue, and steady support as the core tools for helping teens navigate friendships while maintaining self-worth and autonomy.
Note: This summary reflects expert advice on fostering healthy teen development and addressing friendship choices without punitive measures.