Father creates the perfect plan to help son combat peer pressure
Every parent needs to educate their child about this plan. It could help them out of bad situations.
At some stage in our lives we have all been subjected to peer pressure, either on the receiving end or part of the side that is applying the pressure.
When I was in Standard 7 (Grade 9), a bus load of school girls headed for the mountains for a two-night getaway as part of our confirmation grooming.
When we arrived at our destination, we excitably lined up in the bus ready to disembark. In my clique of friends, word circulated that we should steal the bus driver’s cigarettes, which were visible on the dashboard. The box was scooped up on exit and we excitedly hid them for the right time.
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I can remember the buzz and energy around this retrieval. We couldn't wait to get stuck in, none of us even knew how to smoke!
Later that night, a group of us escaped our little bunker and chain 'smoked' (between coughing and spluttering) our way through the box. I felt green and delighted. How cool was I? (not) Word quickly spread and needless to say the school and our parents were not impressed. Smoking and stealing on confirmation camp is not a great combo.
All through life we feel pressured by others, and for youngsters, the pressure to smoke, drink, have sex and take drugs is immense.
I love this family's approach to providing their son with an “exit plan” should he feel like he isn't happy with the directions things are going in.
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The 'X-plan' was devised by Bert Fulks as a way to help his son Danny get out of any uncomfortable situation. All he needs to do is text the letter ‘X’ to a family member and they would call back with a scripted conversation which will help him leave without being ridiculed by others.
Here’s what a typical conversation using the X-plan sounds like:
Danny: ‘Hello’
Family Member: ‘Danny, something’s come up and I have to come get you right now’
Danny: ‘What happened?’
Family member: ‘I will let you when I get there. Be ready in five minutes’
Do you have a story that involves you and peer pressure? Share your comments below: