THE PRESSURE RISES
A FAMILY GAME FOR PRACTICING WHAT TO SAY AND DO in PEER PRESSURE SITUATIONS.
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Download the Full Game
Everything you need to play in one file, including the parent guide, Grades 5–8 cards, Grades 9–12 cards, Pressure Cards, and Choose Your Move.
Download the Full Game
Grades 5–8 Situation Cards
Everyday peer pressure situations for children in grades 5-8.
Print and cut out the cards.
Download Grades 5–8 Cards
Grades 9–12 Situation Cards
Peer pressure situations for teens in grades 9-12.
Print and cut out the cards.
Download Grades 9–12 Cards
When the Pressure Rises
Pressure Cards that make the same situation harder, such as being asked again, being laughed at, or hearing that everyone else is doing it.
Print and cut out the cards.
Download the Pressure Cards
Choose Your Move
Six ways to respond: The Direct No, The Explainer, The Humor Deflection, The Ally Move, The Simple Exit, and The Outside Excuse.
Keep this page nearby while you play.
Download Choose Your Move
Peer pressure can catch our kids off guard. Even when they know what matters to them, it can be difficult to find the right words when everyone is watching and the pressure is rising.
When the Pressure Rises gives families a simple way to practice before anything is on the line. Pick a Situation Card, choose a response from Choose Your Move, say it out loud, and then add a Pressure Card to see whether the same response still feels right.
Practice, not a perfect answer
There is no one correct way to respond. A child might be direct, give a reason, use humor, suggest another plan, lean on an excuse, or simply leave. The goal is to help them find words that feel natural enough to use.
Raise the pressure
After your child chooses a move, add a Pressure Card. Their closest friend joins in. Someone laughs. They say everyone else is doing it. Let your child keep the same response, change it, or decide that leaving and getting help is the safest move.
Grownups play too
Take turns answering. When children hear adults practice calm, clear responses, they see that confidence can sound ordinary. Keep each round short and conversational.
Before you begin
Download the full game or choose the individual pieces above. Print the Situation Cards that match your child’s age, one copy of Choose Your Move, and the Pressure Cards. Cut out the cards, choose one situation, and begin.
We hope this game gives your family a comfortable way to practice the words before the pressure rises.
To revisit any of our SEL Parenting resources, they are all available here: