Thursday, April 19, 2012

Thought for Thursday {Mean Moms}



So, you've seen the movie Mean Girls? Well, I think there should be one called Mean Moms. Catty and bad behavior doesn't always stop in high school. I know I'm not the only one who has dealt with other adults who are just plain mean - and you have no clue as to why!

Our youngest son plays on a select baseball team. For those of you who aren't baseball savvy, this is a team that you must try out for and be selected to play. It's not cheap and it requires travel every weekend for about 3 months. We do it because it makes our little one happy and because he learns so much about the game, teamwork and hard work while playing. Teams like this do not take playing lightly. It's pretty hardcore.

And apparently, so are the parents.

We got our 11 year old on a new team this season. Since moving the kids to a new town and school district over Christmas break, it only made sense that we found a select team closer to home. So, we are the new kids on the block in regards to the team. Some of these boys have been playing together for years. The little one has had no problems fitting in and making friends. However, I can't say the same is true for myself (or David for that matter).

We are kinda like the baseball parent outcasts. And I can't even begin to tell you why. And I know it shouldn't hurt my feelings - but it does(hey, I'm only human). At a game on Saturday I spoke to two different mothers who blatantly ignored me and did not speak back. And so I've been racking my brain trying to figure out why I'm not being accepted into this little clique. Yes, I'm sure I could use my time for better things, but people, I'm LIKABLE!

Could it be because I'm so young in comparison to the other parents? Or is it because I wear cute Maxi dresses and head scarves to the game? Do I not fit some pre-determined stereotype of what a baseball mom should look like and act like? Do they look down on me because I don't make it to every single game (I have 4 kids people, I'm pulled in several different directions).

David says it's because our son is better than their sons - but I tell him to hush up with that kind of talk. We are certainly not going to be "those" type of parents for sure.

I will probably never know. And I might not ever fit in. But I've come to the conclusion that it's perfectly fine by me to be the outcast if that means staying true to who I am. I'm still a fantastic mama who can rock bright yellow skinny jeans at batting practice. I can be fun and young and energetic and still be devoted to my kiddo. David and I will continue to always sit side by side, holding hands and supporting our little player - we are in love and not ashamed to show that.

So, I'm okay being the odd man out. I was born to stand out, so why am I so damn worried about fitting in??



Elf House Chronicles 





8 comments:

  1. I know EXACTLY what you're talking about! The parents at Jack's school are worse than the kids! Xoxo

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  2. I've encountered similar things... I often feel like the outcast cuz we're not the "stereotypical" family around here... but we're proud of who we are, so I "try" not to let it bother me! ;)
    You rock, Manda!

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  3. Oh no...that's so sad! You're there for your son and that's all that matters :)

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  4. It is so frustrating that the caddy ways don't stop in high school! I've gotten used to being the odd duck & ignoring others. Don't let it bother you, because you are the most amazing lady! They are just jealous.

    Just keep being you. Loving your kiddos & soon-to-be husband. That's way better than getting them to like you!

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  5. Ugh! I hate that! I have a friend whose son has played in one of those select baseball leagues for the past couple of years...and the stories she tells about those parents and their behavior! It seems like they would want to set a better example for the kiddos--they're not modeling good sportsmanship!

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  6. They just straight up ignored you?! Man, that is just RUDE, no other way about it.

    I'm not sure if this could be part of it, but I've noticed here in the south that some women get snooty when they learn I'm living with my boyfriend - i.e. not married yet/living in sin. Or maybe it's just that you're younger and prettier than them. ;) Whatever the reasons, that's nonsense. Just keep being the awesome you & mom that you are.

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  7. ewwwww! what horrible moms and what horrible examples they are setting. some people are just rude and don't realize how their actions affect others. Just keeping being the amazing person you are. One day they will either feel really stupid for how they treated. And if they don't they you don't want them in your life any way!

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  8. im your newest follower and looking forward to linking up every week!! i have a Tuesday link party- A Few of my Favorite Things. I'd love for you to join me!

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