Bullying and peer pressure

Hi, I hope you're well. Today we will be talking about bullying and peer pressure for tweens and teens. Before I begin, I know you are wondering why I have not written a part two of my last blog post (how to productively spend your time during quarantine)well I am partnering with my mum. She will be writing/contributing in this blog once a week, so watch out for part two written by mom this Friday. 
Let's now talk about bullying and peer pressure.

1. What is bullying and peer pressure.

Bullying is seeking to harm, intimidate or coerce or force someone who is vulnerable and defenceless.

Peer pressure - the pressure from others do or to conform to the behaviours, attitudes and personal habits of a group or clique.

2. Why do teens and tweens give in to bullying and peer pressure. 

If a tween or teen gives in to peer pressure they just want to be liked or fit in. They also fear that if they do not go along with the group or clique the other kids might make fun of them. Take it from me, I have dealt with bullying and peer pressure not just from school even from my family (not intentionally).

3. How can parents help their kids cope with bullying and peer pressure.

• Talk to your kids - You should talk to your children and have them open up and tell you their secrets, be their friend. Sometimes children may be going through this silently and you can only find out by being close to them. 
• Advise- After you have listened and understood your children, give them advice on how to respond to the bullying and peer pressure. 
• Look for ways to assist your children without making them feeling like losers, laughing stock, weak or get more ridiculed. For example, do not call their parents or School Principal. That may make things worse for them and your kids will never open up to you and will instead just hide their feelings from you. 
• Always make sure your children have a lot of self appreciation, self love, self esteem, confidence, assertiveness skills and social skills. This will enable them to believe in themselves and avoid seeking for acceptance and appreciation from their peers and other people.
•  If it gets out of hand you should probably seek medical attention.

4. My personal advise 

• I know it is pressuring to be bullied. It is not easy there are times you just want to disappear or give in and become devastated which leads to anxiety and low self esteem. You should not keep things from your parents and if you can not talk to your parents, talk to someone close like an auntie or uncle or just write it out, record yourself and delete afterwards. 
• When you are mad and stressed, try exercise and sweat yourself out. Just remember you are not alone. I'm here you can talk to me. 
• Remember to always be positive and if you want, you may lock yourself in your room and have a total breakdown (cry) and let it out. I do this all the time and it makes feel more relieved.
• Look for other ways to  cope, I listen to podcasts or music and ignore hateful people.
• Remember  you are your own cheerleader, own motivator. Do not let anyone dictate or determine who you are, or your destiny. The more they see you happy and strong, the more they will feel silly and losers.
• Make wise decisions and stay firm. Do not give in just to make other people happy to your disadvantage. If something is wrong learn to say NO and stick to it.
• Finally pray and believe in God. He will help you go through any situation.

That is it for today. I hope you liked this blog post and I hope I have helped at least one of you. Remember to tune in on Friday when my mom writes her first blog post. I am not writing on Friday because my birthday is coming up and I wanna focus on that. Go check out all my social media accounts which I will list down below. Thank you for the many views which will soon enable me acquire ads on my blog so I wanted to really thank you guys. Goodbye for now.


My social media accounts 
1. Instagram_ dietandfitnessblog
2. Tiktok_ yuhtzg.w.e.t.h

3. Pinterest_ Meg Maina.