AN INFLUENCER has opened up about her toxic experience at a local church playgroup.
Mum-of-two Imogen Horton, 31, explained that not only did another mum try to kick her 17-month-old child, but she also attempted to start a fight with her.
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The content creator, who is from Brighton and gave birth in front of 425,000 people, was left in floods of tears after the incident, which had groups of other mums simply staring in shock.
Keen to open up on the situation, Imogen took to social media to share a detailed account of what happened, leaving many open-mouthed.
Imogen was left in disbelief at the angry mother, as she said: “I actually cannot believe just what just happened to me in a church playgroup. I have just been brought to tears by another mum, I’ve never, ever, ever had an encounter like that in my life.”
Imogen, who has two children, Renaelia and Oriavella, with her husband Spencer Horton, then explained: “So I went to this church playgroup, I have been a couple of times in the past – I’m paying my entry and as I’m doing that I’m hearing this noise of tuttering and anger.”
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Imogen then confirmed that she turned round to see her daughter Oriavella standing in a doorway, only to see another mother “moving her with her foot”.
Imogen claimed that the other mother was “trying to kick” her child “to move her out of the way”.
After addressing the problem politely, the woman aggressively asked Imogen: “Are you trying to start a fight with me at a church playgroup?”
Imogen confirmed that she wasn’t trying to initiate any aggression to which the confrontational woman snapped back and said: “I’m surprised you can even see her with all that Botox and filler in your face.”
Imogen, who has been breastfeeding for four years and has never had any Botox or filler, then admitted: “I was so shocked. I’m pretending it’s funny, but I cried my eyes out.”
The brunette beauty, who has 506,800 followers on TikTok, then confirmed that the angry mother proceeded to “slag” her off and tell “everyone” that she should “get out” of the church playgroup.
To this, out of frustration, Imogen turned to her and simply mouthed: “F**k off”.
Whilst Imogen admitted she shouldn’t have used such language to the “bully”, she confessed: “Don’t expect to come at me, kick my child, be angry at my child for standing in a doorway, slag me off and my facial appearances, what I was wearing, who I am, whatever and not expect me to say something.”
After speaking to some other mums at the local playgroup, Imogen realised that this woman’s actions were in fact a “regular occurrence”.
She was laughing and pointing at me and we could all see it, everyone could hear her slagging me off and laughing with this other lady
Imogen
Things then continued to get even worse when Imogen and her daughter were playing, as the influencer admitted: “I was actually having a really lovely time, but all I could hear was her running around to every single mum.
“I don’t need troops to rally but I also don’t need to be intimidated and bullied, I don’t need to feel like that.
“She was laughing and pointing at me and we could all see it, everyone could hear her slagging me off and laughing with this other lady.”
Reflecting on the incident, Imogen confessed that she was “proud” that she stood up for herself.
Different parenting styles explained
There are four recognised styles of parenting explained below:
Authoritarian Parenting
What some might describe as ‘regimental’ or ‘strict parenting.
Parents with this style focus on strict rules, obedience, and discipline.
Authoritarian parents take over the decision-making power, rarely giving children any input in the matter.
When it comes to rules, you believe it’s “my way or the highway.”
Permissive Parenting
Often referred to as ‘soft parenting’ or ‘yes mums/dads’.
Permissive parents are lenient, only stepping in when there’s a serious problem.
They’re quite forgiving and they adopt an attitude of “kids will be kids.”
Oftentimes they act more like friends than authoritative figures.
Authoritative Parenting
Authoritative parents provide their children with rules and boundaries, but they also give them the freedom to make decisions.
With an authoritative parenting style, parents validate their children’s feelings while also making it clear that the adults are ultimately in charge.
They use positive reinforcement techniques, like praise and reward systems, as opposed to harsh punishments.
Neglectful or Uninvolved Parenting
Essentially, neglectful parents ignore their children, who receive little guidance, nurturing, and parental attention.
They don’t set rules or expectations, and they tend to have minimal knowledge about what their children are doing.
Uninvolved parents expect children to raise themselves. They don’t devote much time or energy to meeting children’s basic needs.
Uninvolved parents may be neglectful but it’s not always intentional. A parent with mental health issues or substance abuse problems, for example, may not be able to care for a child’s physical or emotional needs consistently.
She described herself as a “kind person in every inch of my being”, but claimed that she “will never have someone say something about my child, or try to physically push my child”.
Not only this, but she also won’t stand for anyone “pulling apart” her appearance “without sticking up for myself.”
Other mums react
Imogen’s TikTok clip has clearly left many open-mouthed, as after just five hours, it had quickly racked up 90,200 views.
Other parents were left gobsmacked by the incident and many flocked to the comments, eager to share messages of love and support for Imogen.
Well done for defending yourself and your child
TikTok user
One person said: “Did the organisers not step in? They definitely should have! How awful. I’m sorry to hear this happened.”
Another added: “It’s so sad to know there’s people out there who are so miserable and will tear other people down. Manners don’t cost anything. You handled this amazing.”
A third commented: “This is why I have never been to a playgroup. I’m so sorry that happened to you.”
Meanwhile, someone else penned: “My postnatal depression self could not have coped in that situation. I would have left crying asap. Well done for defending yourself and your child.”
To this, Imogen replied: “This is why I don’t think it’s fair that she’s doing this regularly, mums are already vulnerable and going through enough. Children also don’t need any negative energy like that.”
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