(c) Cafe of Curiosities

By Bethanie Lunn

Alright girls, JUST STOP IT.  What am I talking about?  Being a b*tch.  Being b*tchy to each other.  There I said it. 

There is so much of it going on and I am sick of it.  Women are supposed to support other women. What's with all the school/mum bullying and politics?

Stop tearing each other down, build each other up instead.

This very poignant observation began when I filmed a very natural reaction to a friends bullying experience.  Yes, I’d go as far as to call it that. 

I recorded what I thought was a rant, and that same video was crowned ‘vlog of the week’ by Channel Mum, simply because it hit a lot of nerves. 

So many of you related to my point and my friend's experience, and while that makes me sad, there is something we can do about it.

You can watch the video below.

A friend of mine experienced some bullying at the school gates recently, yet said bullies and the bullied are grown women.  A group of other mums were glancing over at my friend shooting her bitchy looks.   We don’t know why.  The school run, the gates and the entire school experience is brand new to her and it should be a situation of empathy. But instead, it was made even more daunting by those who you’d think would have your back - not stab you in it.

It’s tough being a parent, we all know that, and there you are at the school gates –you’ve not had time to wash your hair or go for a wee, you’re so exhausted from all the juggling / sleepless nights / constant demands / general relentless joy that is parenthood.  You really don’t need the bullying when you finally arrive.

We should be kind to others and it doesn’t take much to be kind.  We need to work together and support each other.  Stop with the playground stupidity.

I know this sounds harsh, I know it sounds like a nag but we’ve got to stick together, girls are made to do that.  We know how hard it is; not just to be a mum but to be a woman; to be a girl.  We worry about everything and feel like we have the weight of the world on our shoulders.  It is so tough.  Please don’t forget that.

If you’re feeling that it’s tough and your way is to take it on others – don’t.  Don’t do that.  If you feel envious of someone, go and talk to them.  Why don’t you want to know them?  I’m envious of lots of people but I don’t see it as a bad thing.  I love that I envy them; I look up to them and want them in my life.

What do you get out of being bitchy?  Nothing.  Everyone feels crap from it so why do it?  Go over and say hi to that mum next time.  It is guaranteed to feel much better than freezing her out and you could have a friend for life.

Just let that stuff go and let’s stick together.  The strongest women build each other up, they inspire each other, they don’t tear each other down.

I’ve got your back, have you got mine?

Have you ever experienced bullying from other parents?