Last week I wrote this post, explaining the situation I was in with the school taking interest in the contents of my blog. I mentioned that I was pretty sure that another Mother had probably complained about it to the head. Within an hour of publishing the post I was on the school run, and another Mother let me know it was her concerns that had started all this. I respect that she came forward and it was good to know where this had come from.
She explained that a lot of Mums in the school are reading my blog, and she felt that my writing about the school put my son’s teacher in a vulnerable position (I disagree). She felt that the things that I had written about were a criticism of the teachers methods. She warned me against upsetting other parents with my posts, and insinuated that if I continued to write what I write I will not be popular within the school.
At the time this was pretty upsetting, I felt cornered in a very public place and I didn’t really get to respond in anything other than a knee-jerk kind of way. Having gone away and thought about it though, I can use this as an opportunity for growth.
I really don’t think I can stop writing an honest account of my life, and thoughts on this blog. If I had to go down that path then I might as well quit blogging. After considering this option I remembered how much of a difference blogging has made to my life.It keeps me stimulated at a time when I’m at home with small children, it is therapy when my thoughts become dark and I am scared of my own company. It is a record of this time in my life that the whole family can look back on. Giving up would be devastating.
So not quitting, accepting that there may be some Mothers in school who don’t see that my words aren’t weapons, they are an attempt at humour. They are saying parenting is hard for me so don’t feel bad if it’s hard for you too, lets laugh about it together. The people who don’t get that are different to me, I, them, we, are all part of a colourful rainbow of thoughts, ideas and personalities who I hope can coexist in harmony.
Then my final concern, my children. It’s all very well for me to stand by my words, to keep being me, but they didn’t chose this and I don’t want suffering for them because of my writing. What if one day a school friend googles their names and reads my ramblings about them, and teases them. I have to admit I have been very naive before all this and now I have to change.
So to my news, I have changed my children’s names on all my old posts and won’t be using their real names on my blog from now on. This caused much umming and errring over what on earth we would call them but with some ideas from the kids we have gone super hero themed. My eldest will be Super Kid, my middle and youngest son is Robo Boy (those that know him will know why) and my little girl is Wonder Girl.
So there you have it. Thanks to the Mum in the playground who sent me on a path of personal growth. Thanks to my readers encouragement, and support and thanks to my super husband who stands beside me when I say like it or don’t like it but this is me and I’m not going to change.
Good grief, I wish I had the guts to say this is how I really feel and as someone who realises she has little social skills and lacking in empathy I find the school run fraught and reminscint of my not overly happy school days.
If you are happy with your decision to keep blogging then keep blogging. I am new to your blog so haven’t read anything yet that might be detrimental to the teacher. I am guessing as a teacher he has a pretty thick skin and will probably take the sensible approach of not reading your blog.
Yes you’re right, and as a young bloke I can’t imagine this blog would be his cup of tea anyway. Thanks.
I am pleased you are sticking with it, its good to have that ‘real people may read this’ thought to keep your posts on the side of caution reguarding upsetting people, but I don’t think you would intentially do that anyway, and after all if the playground parents are reading they might become friends, and realise in fact we all have simular thoughts and feelings.. I hope they either come to enjoy your blog or just ignore it completely.
I say take the new found intrest as a compliment, and see this as a way to grow your blog 🙂 x
Yes thanks Sarah.
Yay! So glad to hear you’re carrying on blogging. Don’t think I would have been so grown-up and mature about it all, so you’ve given me something to aspire to.
Thanks, and describing anything I do as grown up and mature did give me a good giggle.
Love the new names. So glad you are continuing, it wouldn’t be the same without you.
Aw thank you.
They will get over it, social media is still in its infancy but busy bodies will always abound as will bullies and its always a fine line imo.
True dat.
Having been through this, I held back on offering advise, as only you can figure out what is right for you and yours. I am glad you are sticking with the writing. I for one love reading!
Thanks Jen.
Glad you’re not leaving, some people get so hot and bothered over something that has absolutely nothing to do with them. If they don’t like it, why read it? Ignore the muppets who clearly lack a sense of humour – who’d want to chum up with them anyhow? Love love love the names =)
Thanks, you’re right.
You know this mum who had a go at you for naming one of the teachers on your blog? The one who said how unprofessional it was?
She’s bitching about junior teachers on her friend’s Facebook! Talk about double standards?!