peer pressure

hi,

The very idea of "peer pressure" strikes fear in my heart. I think the same in most parents. Images of our kids following the crowd rather than remaining independent thinkers is enough to start any parent lecturing children about good judgment.
But at the same time, the stress and tension the kids go through to be part of a group is enormous.
I know peer pressure can be positive and negative. but how do we recognise and help our kids.



What do you do when you son/daughter comes home and says i want to have this because somebody in her class has it...
I try to listen, then tell them their options available, and leave the decision making power in their hands.
It starts from the same toy .. to the same car....

So all of you bring in your experiences and how you have tackled....so that we learn to gether...