London - A cake sale has been announced at your children’s school.
Do you a) forget all about it then guiltily send your little ones in with Woolworths' finest, or, b) rustle up a creation that would win you the next series of Bake Off?
If the second option sounds familiar, you have been rumbled – you are a pushy mother who would do anything to get one up on the opposition.
The top 50 secret tactics of competitive moms have been revealed in a study of 1 400 British women – and their practices are widespread and really rather dastardly.
Four out of five mothers admitted they feel incredible pressure to impress teachers. As a result many spend a fortune on end-of-term presents for staff and volunteer to help out in class and on school trips at every opportunity.
Embarrassingly for their children they will shout out the Christian name of teachers at the school gates, just to make everyone think they are on good terms with each other. When it comes to homework, they will read with their little ones ten times a week instead of the recommended five, and make them practice their spellings over and over again so they come top in class. The school play offers a prime opportunity to show prowess for six in ten women.
After spending hours making their child’s costume, they will be first in the queue on the opening night to bag front row seats.
Four in ten women said they were concerned about being the “coolest” mom among their little one’s friends, and let them eat what they want and make as much mess as they want when they come round for tea.
And while they are occupied, the most competitive women will check the visitor’s book bag to see what reading or spelling level they are on.
Other telltale signs include constantly bragging about their child’s achievements on Facebook and trying to win the mom’s race at sports day every year.
DO ANY OF THESE TRAITS RING A BELL WITH YOU?
Your children always have the latest gadgets
You have the flashiest – and worst parked – car at school
Christmas, birthdays – whatever the celebration your parties are the best
You make sure your children raise the most money for charity
Show and tell? It’s a chance to show off your illustrious relatives
From Chinese to computing, your child goes to every club
At parents’ evening you have no qualms about quizzing rivals
You dress up for the school run
And your little ones are the most stylish on civvies day
Lunch boxes are a chance to show off your culinary skills
You work full time but still attend all school events
Or you might be studying for a PhD on the side
You organise coffee mornings all the time
Your children are always immaculate with polished shoes
No lie-ins! You’re never late for school
Daily Mail