How your Social Network Shapes your Life

When you think of your social network, who comes to mind? Take a look at the people you spend the most time with to find out. Whether they’re friends, family, classmates, or fellow young parents, the people around you influence your life in really important ways. People who hang around positive role models tend to pick up good habits, while people who spend time with negative role models often pick up bad habits. Whenever you can, choose to hang around positive role models, and people who support you and want the best for you. Your social network will help determine the overall quality of your life, as well as your personal growth. 

 When you spend a lot of time with someone, your ideas of success, priorities, and interests are impacted. If people in your social network are applying to college or working towards a career, you’re more likely to achieve goals like these too. Being around like-minded people can be inspiring, and these people can also offer you support and advice as you work toward getting an education, career, or any other achievement that’s important to you. On the other hand, if the people you spend time with are less goal-oriented, you might have a harder time reaching your own goals. Much like goals, your habits stem from learned behavior. When you spend time with positive influences, like friends who study often or help others, you tend to adopt those behaviors. If your social network has more negative role models, you’re more likely to pick up bad habits. Your child will eventually mirror you and pick up your habits, so try to make sure they’re good ones! 

 Your social network also determines how you view risky behaviors. If your friends are using cannabis (marijuana) or drinking alcohol all the time, you’re more likely to do the same. Being under the influence of substances can make it harder to be the best parent possible. If it’s illegal for you to use substances (due to your age or federal laws), you may run into trouble that could change your life. If you choose to be around people who engage in criminal or dangerous activities, you’re more likely to do these things as well. On the other hand, friends who choose to responsibly use substances or avoid illegal behaviors will help you stay out of trouble and on track to achieving your goals. 

 Your social network might be the first place your child sees healthy relationships modeled. When they spend time with you around positive people, they learn how to communicate their needs and set boundaries, among other things. Instead of only learning to avoid negative influences, your child may learn how to find positive ones too. It’s important to avoid hanging out in situations that could put you or your child in harm’s way. This could be direct, like bringing your child with you to an unsafe environment, or indirect, like spending time with people that threaten to harm your child. As a parent, your choices have a direct impact on the quality of your child’s life. 

 As you continue to evolve, you’ll outgrow some relationships. It can be difficult to accept that your friends or relatives are not interested in making positive changes with you. Some people may attempt to discourage your growth or try to hold you back. It’s important to get clear on your goals for yourself and your growing family so you can take the necessary steps to get where you want to be. Sometimes that can mean distancing yourself from those you’ve outgrown and looking for people who will support you and honor your path. It might feel a little lonely at first, but it is also an opportunity to create new friendships with more like minded people. Consider exploring local social groups, school clubs, and the YUP! community to build your new social network.