Melissa

I suggest you check out a book called, Mean Girls. It covers "emotional bullying" which is so much harder to spot or discipline than the physical bullying, but can have very long lasting and damaging affects. I haven't read the whole thing yet. My daughter is only 10 but has already had some mean girl experiences and the book was pretty helpful.

I am sorry for you. You have a right to be angry at the mom and at her daughter. You showed a lot of restraint when you chose not to go off about her kid's behavior. Teaching your kids to manage these situations is hard. Most of us, even as adults, struggle with how to work through these situations.

And as for your daughter crying easily (how dare that woman slam your parenting with that "lack of confidence" comment!), she's not done becoming who she will be yet. And I'd like to tell you about my best friend. She cries easily and always has; her sensitivity and tenderness are what make her a great friend. But now that she's an adult, if someone is unfair to her she is able to call them on it in a direct way, even if she's crying at the time. She has gained confidence without losing her sensitivity. Again, your daughter is still developing. I encourage you to be gentle with her and with yourself. Good luck.