How about this for an idea

[r4j]

I was thinking about how to communicate spiritual things to my children and the 10th grade CCD class I have to teach this year. I was trying to think of a way to break through peer pressure. It’s such a big thing for the kids at this age. So, I was trying to think of a way to convince them that it ain’t good. And I thought of this approach - will we find peer pressure in heaven? No? Then it can’t be good. What do you think? I’m thinking I can leverage this ‘if it’s in heaven’ concept. It’s like the WWJD concept.

 

[diggerdomer]

I was thinking about how to communicate spiritual things to my children and the 10th grade CCD class I have to teach this year. I was trying to think of a way to break through peer pressure. It’s such a big thing for the kids at this age. So, I was trying to think of a way to convince them that it ain’t good. And I thought of this approach - will we find peer pressure in heaven? No? Then it can’t be good. What do you think? I’m thinking I can leverage this ‘if it’s in heaven’ concept. It’s like the WWJD concept.

I’d actually suggest the opposite. In heaven (so to speak) we’ll be surrounded (again, so to speak) with people worshiping God. What a great benefit of peer pressure!

Given that thought, it’s not peer pressure I think is problematic, but the peers we choose to associate with.

 

[PacoG]

Peer pressure can also be used for good.

I run a youth leadership program where we prepare 9th graders for a statewide debate competition. The coaching and training is totally done by older high school kids who participated in the program in the past. The older kids take their duty to demonstrate character and leadership very seriously. They push the younger kids to be their best. The older kids become models of unselfishness and community involvement for the younger kids.

In short, peer pressure can be turned into a positive thing. We live in a time and place in history where young people receive messages in the popular media that they are judged by what they wear, what they own and who they sleep with. You are in a position where you can teach them the “counter-cultural” (and that is what the Catholicism is, counter-cultural) message that they have an obligation to model selfless, self-sacrificing love to others…to use St. Paul’s words…to be ambassadors for Christ. Young people have this yearning to be heroic and idealistic. Don’t miss that opportunity.

 

[r4j]

Great food for thought from both you - thanks a bunch. I was thinking of the negative, destructive peer pressure only but I see that there can be good peer pressure where we encourage to reach higher. I’m going to have to make sure I give that approach some thought. And that ties in with the 2nd post, where if I can find some good young role models, they’ll be able to relate better. I like your point about Catholicism being counter cultural. So funny how young people, we want to rebel. Well, most of the world wants us to conform, so being Catholic means you are a rebel. Good point to bring up with them.
Thanks again.