Friday, December 2, 2011

Cyber Bullying Mommy Style

As parents we all take it upon ourselves to protect our children from bullies, whether on the playground or online. As our children approach the age of social networking we take steps to assure their safety from cyber-bullying. But were you aware that mommies do it too?

Peruse through any parenting website's discussion board and you'll inevitably run across the scenario of a new mom seeking support and advice from her peers only to find her parenting berated by scores of judgemental mothers. I've seen it on sites like BabyCenter and others; while they are a tremendous resource for parents, the discussion boards often read like dialogue from daytime television!

But fellow mommy-blogger and aspiring writer (that is, we aspire to be authors in print and in bookstores!) Elizabeth Flora Ross has set out to end cyber bullying mommy style with the Mom Pledge.


As a mother who supports freedom of choice in parenting, I immediately took the pledge. You can too. We can end the trend of mothers bullying mothers by taking the Mom Pledge and sharing with all of our mom friends, online and real-world. Let's support one another in the wonderful, but challenging, job of motherhood!


The Mom Pledge
I am a proud to be a mom. I will conduct myself with integrity in all my online activities. I can lead by example.
I pledge to treat my fellow moms with respect. I will acknowledge that there is no one, "right" way to be a good Mom. Each woman makes the choices best for her family.
I believe a healthy dialogue on important issues is a good thing. I will welcome differing opinions when offered in a respectful, non-judgmental manner. And will treat those who do so in kind.
I stand up against cyber bullying. My online space reflects who I am and what I believe in. I will not tolerate comments that are defamatory, hateful or threatening.
I refuse to give those who attack a platform. I will remove their remarks with no mention or response. I can take control.
I want to see moms work together to build one another up, not tear each other down. Words can be used as weapons. I will not engage in that behavior.
I affirm that we are a community. As a member, I will strive to foster goodwill among moms. Together, we can make a difference.

7 comments:

  1. I found your blog on the blog hop and I already love it. I believe in the mom pledge! Being a mom is the hardest job ever and every decision can leave you wondering if it was the right one, I mean after all we are shaping little people lives, but yet as peers we are ready to turn on and pounce on one another in an instance. Should not be that way, we need all the support we can get against the little people:) I'm a new follower and hope you can return the follow. http://www.rahkers.blogspot.com/

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  3. I love the mom pledge! It is so true that there are so many bully moms out there! Everyone has an opinion but it is how you express your opinion that makes all the difference! :)

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  4. what a wonderful pledge. i believe in doing the right thing, whether online or not. this is an inspirational post. :) thanks.

    hope you have a great week.
    jasmine

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  5. Thank you all for visiting and for your kind comments!

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  6. I'm happy that many mums are taking this pledge. I took the pledge as soon as I started blogging and I still abide by it.
    Thanks for joining my Get Connected Tuesday Blog Hop and for grabbing the button. I'll let you know when we will hop together.

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  7. Thank you so much for taking The Pledge. Together, we can make a difference. I'm so glad you've joined our community! :)

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Go on, tell me what you think!