to be dreading kids going back to school?

[frayededges]

or more precisely that horrible clique of bitchy mums at the school gates. isn't life pleasant without having to encounter them every day during the holidays? .

I have no idea what you are talking about. Go to the school to leave in and pick up your child. If you want to indulge in playground relationships at teenage level then thats up to you.

I don't pay attention to anyone I don't get on with. I am there to pick up my kids not socialise but am happy to talk to the friendly ladies. In my DDs year I speak to about 2 people. In DSs year I speak to more than 10.

Why get involved?

Some schools are worse than others, ours really doesn't have this but there's one near us that seems to have a group of them.

Other parents who have joined our school have commented on how friendly it is in the playground.

YANBU.
For that reason and for the fact that despite thinking I was sooooo organised I have one going back tomorrow, no ironing done (the pile is four foot high), no pe kits ready and I've promised the kids a day out today for 'last day of the holidays'...

Just having a coffee break before going back to it.

I don't get this either, not in nearly 10 years have I had a problem. Of course they may be saying all sorts about me. Who knows or cares. I don't.

The way ahead is in, kiss dc bye, out. Keep moving. Vague/pleasant middle distance smile. Don't get involved.

The people I pass the time of day with or chat a little to now and then are all ok. But I never have looked to the school gate for big friendships or get drawn into gossip.

How refreshing! A thread where most people don't get involved with school gate cliques. I have been on MN a long time and have always wondered about all the school gate angst. I just don't see it. Quite often I will be up to the school and out again without speaking to anybody at all and that is absolutely fine by me. I have acouple of friends I talk to when I see them but not always, others I say hello to as our paths have crossed due to DC or school events but I never have been part of a clique nor even been aware of one.

Why would a bunch of people at a school gate have any impact on your life at all unless you have chosen to engage with them? And if they ignore you, isn't that a good thing?

OP, why have anything to do with these people if you don't like them?

Now if you had said you dread going back to school because of the early mornings and pack lunches, I would have been right there with you.

'Why would a bunch of people at a school gate have any impact on your life at all unless you have chosen to engage with them?' Exactly so!

It's like saying just because you go to Asda once a week you have to get involved with everyone else that goes once a week

If lording it over people at the school gate is the highlight of their day then how fucking tragic and empty must their lives be?

Why would you want anything to do with people like that anyhow? Saddos.

YANBU. I hated the school run. I've spent years and years doing it. Am so relieved this year cos the eldest two are at middle school, so I can just drive up, let them off, drive off.. easy peasy. I feel your pain.

I agree that distancing yourself from these women whilst staying bright 'n' breezy and polite is the best policy.

That's all very well but if your DC's are friends with other DC's then invariably you will be drawn into conversations with the parents otherwise you may appear rude or standoffish.

I must appear to be rude and standoffish then because I don't get drawn into conversations with any of the parents of DS's friends except his best friend who he goes to play with regularly. She is very nice and appears to have lots of other friends but that doesn't mean I have to get drawn in as well.