When I was younger, I was bullied by other female classmates. Not physically but verbally. With one whisper in the ear of the few “friends” I did have, I was instantly blacklisted from the lunch table, being invited over after school, some birthday parties. I say “some” because I was still invited to some parties but only because “my mom made me.” I don’t know why I was the target but I was shy, I kept my head down and I never said anything back. My third grade teacher who was amazing tried her best to intervene because she understood what was happening. (Mrs. Koptish, Hilltop Elementary, Wyoming, OH) As young as I was a part of me didn’t feel worthy enough to be there. I had zero self confidence. I spent 3 years with these classmates before everything took it’s toll. I stared faking sick and when I did go to school, I would greet my mother at her car with tears falling down my face. By that time my confidence along with my grades were blown. My mother made a phone call to a friend who worked in the office at a small Montessori school.
That school saved me, (The New School, Cincinnati, OH)
By the time I reentered the public school sector at 13, I was ready to conquer girl world. I certainly wasn’t the most popular but I was myself; the most important person you can be.
It gives me great hope that another young woman with a similar story to mine is trying to do something about it. Meet Rachel Simmons, author of Odd Girl Out and The Curse of the Good Girl. Simmons and her Girls Leadership Institute are profiled in the Sunday Style’s section of the New York Times.
“Staffed by teachers and school counselors, the program, Ms. Simmons said, is “targeted at where girls at this age begin to falter, like self-awareness and self-expression.”
During two-week, age-based sessions here on the manicured campus of Miss Hall’s School, girls ages 11 to 17 attend morning workshops with names like “Reputations” and “Ending Blame.” In “Self-Defeating Habits,” when a girl uses phrases like “I kind of,” or “I don’t know if this is right but,” the others blow on kiddie siren whistles. The effect is playful, not humiliating, enduring but not punitive.
There is a “no fat talk day” and also a daily shout-out to appetite. “Food, Good!” the girls chant as they sit down to breakfast.”
I encourage you all to read the full article.
Please share your thoughts…
Have a beautiful Monday!
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I had mrs. koptish in 3rd grade. She is to this day my favorite teacher…so caring.
Whoa – that sucks you were bullied like that – but very, very lucky for you to have gotten out of that situation. You are also lucky to have a mom who was in-tune to your needs.
Great post that I can relate too. I was bullied all the time but I did my best to never, ever cry in front of them. I knew if you cried, you got it worse…like some of my friends. I was lucky to have a great family to come home to every night to lift my spirits and confidence. I feel so bad for girls that don’t have that.
‘No fat talk day’ sounds brilliant! And something, us women, should still abide by!!!!!
Thanks for the link to the article….I plan to pass it on.