Tuesday, April 27, 2010
A recent a-ha moment I had
Ever been a witness to bullying?
Last week at t-ball practice, I was sitting down at the field watching my son practice while my girls enjoyed some time at the playground a few feet away.
At the end of practice, I learned that some older girls were torturing one of their classmates.
They made her sing.
They mocked her.
They made her cry.
They laughed at her.
Seeing them all huddled together on the playground made me angry. I wanted to kick all of their asses and call all of their mothers.
Sometimes I forget that I'm 5 foot 2 and the size of an average fourth grader.
It wasn't until we were in the car driving home that I heard most of the story but it made me realize something.
I'm no better than that gaggle of girls on the playground.
Down at the field was the grown up version of what was happening on the playground. I was in my own gaggle of moms. We are comfortable with each other and we don't usually invite anyone else into our circle.
Especially those a little different than us.
Especially the mother of the classmate who was being tortured.
Granted, we weren't openly mocking her. But we weren't openly welcoming her either.
I guess if I'm going to angry by the behavior of the tweens on the playground than I should be equally as angry by my own behavior.
This Thursday I will make more of an effort to make sure my circle seems welcoming and inviting.
I invite you to do the same.
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About Me
- kisatrtle
- I'm a 41 year old (gasp) freelance writer, school cafeteria manager, wife and mother. I have three children and one anxious and overweight beagle. I use my blog to make others laugh, to share some cool crafts, to document my lunchlady adventures and to lament about the challenges faced by us all on the journey called life. Thanks for visiting. Please leave some crack...um...I meant some comments.
7 random thoughts:
Love this. I used to be so mean and I pride myself on being nicer now. There are a few mean girls on the staff at work and they make me crazy.
have seen bullying and been bullied, not pleasent....you are a wonderful person, you took a bad thing and used it to learn and grow...BRAVO my friend;)
Sometimes we can't see beyond the obvious. Good for you seeing beyond and making a change. A-ha moments hit us when we least expect them, I know...............
Good post. I'm not a fan of bullying either. I can see how us moms sometimes get too "exclusive."
I have been a witness to bullying and it's awful. Nice is good...I like your idea. I hope it works out and that your a good influence on the others.
Very interesting and thought provoking. How did you know that it was the girl's mom? Is there a reason they are both "outcasts?" It is easy to fall into comfortable groups without meaning to.
This is a great post! I try so hard to be friendly and welcoming to others but sometimes I just get caught up in my little group. I like the way you compared this to the girls though. I will have to remember that!