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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Lost it at another school mum

255 replies

blueishvase · 24/05/2022 14:40

I will start by saying I have an unblemished 10 year record of no fights with school mums. My approach has always been to be nice to everyone, smile, rise above and get on with my life and this perhaps led me to putting up with nonsense from this one particular mother for way too long.

Anyway I had avoided her for some time due to her trying to shut down my son's birthday by saying it was a corona risk (it was within rules at the time, every other parent RSVP'd yes in record time just to get a break, even a child getting a split lip at the party was not picked up until it was over, so she was definitely the only parent who cared.) As a "goodwill gesture" I agreed to have her child over that week for the day. She had actually pushed for a sleepover the day before the party and I said no to that, then on the day she was late picking him up and then sent a message commenting on all the "carbs" and "party food" I'd given him (our usual diet.) At the point I decided to avoid her.

She then messaged me to say that my kid had been asking hers for a playdate and could I host. Stupidly I said yes, mostly because if my son had asked I would try to encourage the friendship and I actually feel sorry for the kid.

I then saw her that day at school when i was due to pick him up. She has started volunteering at the kids club group (they offer free activities for kids in lunchbreak). They were having a coffee morning, I think to try and drum up membership which was falling due to corona. Like many, we were members but left during corona as we weren't getting anything out of it, and we also got hit very hard financially as we are both freelance. Plus our older son never used the clubs. Anyway I went over to ask about volunteering. And in front of a load of people she asked me, really loudly, "ARE YOU A MEMBER?". I had to explain in front of other parents that I wasn't, we had left during corona and hadn't re-joined. And she said "OH WOULD YOU LIKE A FORM!".

I was so furious as we are worried about money. Our situation is not dire, but it's on our minds. And I'm pretty sure she would have checked out every single parents membership status anyway - she is that kind of person. And she didn't ask anyone else.

Anyway I messaged her saying I thought she was innappropriate and rude and our financial priorities are our concern and none of her business. And in future don't ask me to have her son.

She messaged back saying she was sincerely sorry but at the end of the day they are volunteers and just want what's best for the kids and they were asking everyone (they weren't, I was the only one who go asked and everyone looked mortified.)

There is loads more backstory, mostly about her sending me catty messages and making catty comments and pestering me for childcare, but I have already gone on enough. I am now worried about what she will do next. She's quite vicious and I just don't need it. I've blocked her on WhatsApp thank god.

OP posts:
FiveNineFive · 24/05/2022 17:18

Testina · 24/05/2022 17:15

That’s just ridiculous. If you’re genuine “DREADING” when you’re only pregnant you need therapy. Most of us go through the entire school years without a single issue. “School mum” are just people like you.

Its not ridiculous if your only understanding of it is from mumsnet though. Many women on here make it sound like passive aggressive gang warfare.

blueishvase · 24/05/2022 17:19

@mam0918 Where did I say I missed the split lip? I saw it the minute it happened, took the child to the toilet and cleaned him up, contacted the staff for an ice pack and called his mother assuming she'd come and pick him up. She said, don't worry about it, he's been looking forward to this for weeks.

OP posts:
TheOrigRights · 24/05/2022 17:20

I will start by saying I have an unblemished 10 year record of no fights with school mums.

Is this something that people measure?! I am currently on year 18 of an unblemished record of having no fights with school Mums!
Go me.

Intrigueddotcom · 24/05/2022 17:20

I will start by saying I have an unblemished 10 year record of no fights with school mums

😂

TheOrigRights · 24/05/2022 17:21

blueishvase · 24/05/2022 17:19

@mam0918 Where did I say I missed the split lip? I saw it the minute it happened, took the child to the toilet and cleaned him up, contacted the staff for an ice pack and called his mother assuming she'd come and pick him up. She said, don't worry about it, he's been looking forward to this for weeks.

Your OP states "even a child getting a split lip at the party was not picked up until it was over,"

Can you see why people think you missed it?

blueishvase · 24/05/2022 17:23

@TheOrigRights Was not picked up from the party by his mother - my point was that everyone was really happy to have their kids off their hands at that point in the pandemic. Anyway it's completely beside the point, the split lip was mere backstory/colour.

OP posts:
mam0918 · 24/05/2022 17:26

blueishvase · 24/05/2022 17:19

@mam0918 Where did I say I missed the split lip? I saw it the minute it happened, took the child to the toilet and cleaned him up, contacted the staff for an ice pack and called his mother assuming she'd come and pick him up. She said, don't worry about it, he's been looking forward to this for weeks.

'even a child getting a split lip at the party was not picked up until it was over'

this indicates it was not noticed until after the party finished however Im not guessing its another example of your inarticulation issues which is why no one understands what is going on.

Winkydink · 24/05/2022 17:28

YABVVU - a simple no thanks was all that was necessary.

ThinkForAMinute · 24/05/2022 17:43

Why does she need to know your financial situation for a free club?

SamphirethePogoingStickerist · 24/05/2022 17:45

Ohrwurm · 24/05/2022 14:55

Op, she didn't do anything wrong here. She asked if you wanted a form 😅 deary me

I think, from what OP has categorically stated a couple of times, that this is the point, She knows she over reacted, knows she bit for other reasons, not the specific comment, and is annoyed with herself.

@blueishvase Yes, you were indeed a daft twonk. Now play like Elsa and let it go.

Practice your serene face in the mirror!

AcrossthePond55 · 24/05/2022 17:54

@blueishvase

I'm not going to pick holes in either of your coats.

There are just some people who rub us the wrong way. It's not their fault, it's not our fault. It just is. She may be one of those people for you and that's why seemingly minor things she says and does irritate or upset you.

In these situations it's best just to take a step back and avoid her as much as is practical because even the most innocent comment/question will irritate you. Don't engage in conversation or if you must just give non-committal answers (grey rock). And keep her blocked.

Intrigueddotcom · 24/05/2022 18:01

OP you have thick skin!

This is embarrassing to watch. An op so sure they would get roundly applauded but be so very wrong

MadameGazelleBand · 24/05/2022 18:01

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ on the poster's request

SlatsandFlaps · 24/05/2022 18:05

@blueishvase I think I get what you mean. Is this kind of related to the whole 'Free School Meals/Pupil Premium' thing? Or should I say, this Kids Club is primarily for kids receiving Pupil Premium? So she said LOUDLY "Oh are you a member? Would you like a form???" so that everyone heard that you were trying to join something that was meant for PP kids? Therefore informing everyone that you're a low income family?

I've had this happen at school. Those on this thread who're saying YABU are clearly not getting Pupil Premium/FSM!

DixonD · 24/05/2022 18:14

JulyDreams · 24/05/2022 15:15

I'm due with my first in a couple of months and I am absolutely DREADING school mum conflicts. This is just an example.

I think MOST people don’t suffer these, honestly, there really is no need.

And as for a blemish free 10 year record of no bust ups OP? That’s NOT an achievement, that’s a given. It’s not something to be proud of! 🤣

It is YOU here that is unreasonable. All she did was ask if you wanted a form. There was no need for your reaction.

ineedsun · 24/05/2022 18:16

blueishvase · 24/05/2022 15:56

@Idhatetolookintothoseeyes

Hmm hard to say if they are catty, they are always deniable. Two examples I know of would be pondering loudly about why someone got an early vaccine, and not dropping it, until that person finally caved and told her why (cancer diagnosis.) Then acting all personally upset and shocked about the news she had pushed and pushed for.

Another is asking someone if she's "hobbling". Also comes across as innocent concern, except that person has a serious health condition that (if known about) makes the question very cruel. But again could be seen as innocent.

These don’t seem catty to me, clumsy yes but not catty.

Do you have a tendency to overreact to people?

Tonkerbea · 24/05/2022 18:18

I think if your OP was more coherent you might get more support, less "WTF is going on?"

Franklin12 · 24/05/2022 18:18

I honestly think you need to take a step back here. You sound like you have far too much time on your hands to look into the smallest detail and blow it up out of all proportion.

Another one who has never had a bust up with a school Mum.

Giviningup · 24/05/2022 18:29

I suppose it all boils down to the tone in which she said it….. none of us where there to know so YANBU op. She sounds overbearing anyway.

Blaggertyjibbet · 24/05/2022 18:30

YABU. She doesn’t sound that bad apart from asking regularly for free childcare, which would be irritating. She probably has no idea
you are taking offense to her comments; I’d bet money she is not intentionally taking pot shots at you in way you feel she is.

Poppyseed14 · 24/05/2022 18:33

blueishvase · 24/05/2022 14:51

@FuchsAndMöhr yes probably I am! Well not with other mothers at all, I get along well with everyone but this woman for some reason seems to really get under my skin and I don't know if it's me or her. But it seems it's me.

She sounds a right CF OP. The bit about asking you to host a playdate I thought was rude AF....

Onwards22 · 24/05/2022 18:36

There is no way that asking if you are a member of a group and giving you a form to fill in is in any way rude or bitchy.

Were you hoping she’d let you in for free because your DCs are friends?

Nothing you’ve said sounds like she is being catty at all.

I think you are projecting a bit and you’re a bit jealous of her for some reason so anything she does winds you up.

Cherrysoup · 24/05/2022 18:36

blueishvase · 24/05/2022 15:06

@ATeamAmy The "goodwill playdate" idea was hers. Apparently her child was very, very upset he couldn't come to the party and she said could he either stay over the night before or come for the day during the week. I should have said no but I was trying to rise above my irritation for the sake of the kids' friendship.

What, that his mother wouldn’t let him come to?!

Binsk · 24/05/2022 18:39

YABU she didn't bring finances into it, you made it about money. She sounds a bit irritating and maybe a tad pushy, but you could just say no to joining/hosting play dates and solve the issue that way.

jamapop · 24/05/2022 18:44

I’m really not sure how she caused you embarrassment.

Like you say in your first OP, your oldest wasn’t using it so… it wasn’t working out for you? Not even necessarily anything about money.
I have plenty of conversations with school parents about swimming lessons or gymnastics lessons or leisure centre memberships etc.. I’m not enquiring about people’s finances when I ask if they are carrying on with whatever lessons for little Johnny. I’ve had debates with people about whether leisure centre membership is still worth it or whether we can no longer justify it now the centre opening hours have changed.. that sort of thing.
Your text to her sounds really OTT.

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