It’s natural to feel conscious about what people are thinking and saying about you. If your teen is not an exception, you’ve got absolutely nothing to worry about. However, if they’re obsessing way too much over the opinions of others about them, then you’ve clearly got yourself a problem. Over-preoccupation with how others perceive them and vigorously seeking their approval can increase the susceptibility of teens to negative peer pressure. Unless you do not understand the true magnitude of the problem, you may not be able to save your child from falling deeply under the influence of others. They can lose far more than your trust in the process.

Losing their identity

One of the greatest risks that victims of peer pressure put themselves at when worrying too much about what others think of them is losing their identity. This is one aspect of peer pressure that often gets overshadowed by other, ostensibly more disturbing threats. In an attempt to make a good impression on those around them, the teen may constantly suppress their views, feelings and desires. Instead, they choose to conform to what others are doing or what is expected of them. Doing this for a long time may eventually make them forget who they actually are. They lose their originality.

Adopting risky behavior

Teens that are desperate to seek the approval of their peers are quick to give in to the influence of the latter. This often leads them to adopt risky and inappropriate habits against their better judgment. They may not want to smoke or drink alcohol, but since they’re more concerned about seeking approval than safety or punishment, they do it anyway.

Addicted to approval

Seeking the opinion of peers is not just a one-time thing for teens. Rather, it is an addiction, a habit that continues to cloud their judgment and dim their originality. The satisfaction derived from a appreciation over a certain action is only temporary. They keep wanting more. This hunger for approval is seemingly insatiable.

Parents

As a parent, you’re primarily responsible for helping your teen overcome his or her obsession with others’ approval. Help them understand how they’re losing themselves by trying way too hard to impress others. Make them realize that the opinions of others are their own to keep and shouldn’t be given so much importance. Nurture your kid’s self-belief and self-esteem. Help them strike a balance between appropriate level of emotional intelligence and going overboard.

Not many people are immune and impervious to the opinions of others. However, you can help your teen build an appropriate level of resistance to it so that they feel less compelled to please others. This in turn can significantly reduce their vulnerability to negative peer pressure and contribute to their healthy development.

Source: https://www.stumbleupon.com/su/7sA73y/www.uncommonhelp.me/articles/stop-seeking-approval/?_nospa=true#