Today’s parents often can be grouped in distinct roles, says Rosalind Wiseman, author of “Queen Bee Moms and Kingpin Dads.” Do any of these sound familiar?
Queen Bee Moms and Kingpin Dads
They project an image of perfect lives, often are charming and have value because they are good at running the show. Queen Bees justify obnoxious behavior with the higher good. Kingpin Dads need to demonstrate control of every situation. These parents like to threaten lawsuits.
Sidekicks
Define themselves in relationship to a more powerful peer, often force children to be friends with offspring of Queen Bees or Kingpins and are willing to live outside their means to keep up.
Starbucks & Sympathy Moms and Banker Dads
Their currency is gossip; they can make innuendo and assumptions seem like fact.
Wannabees
So status-conscious, they look to raise their stock, often at the expense of someone else; their opinions change depending on who is perceived as the most powerful person in the room; they avoid conflict.
Steamrolled Moms and Caveman Dads
Paralyzed by inaction. Moms might rehash what they wished they said for weeks; dads internalize and cave to pressure.
Floaters
Moving easily from group to group without resentment, they do not call attention to themselves and rarely take leadership roles.
Invisible
Well-meaning parents who attend every school function but never say a word at the events.
Outcast
They differ from the Invisible parent because something about them makes them noticeable–their race, their culture or their lifestyle. A mother raising children alone, for example, often is seen as an outcast; a father raising children alone, however, is admired.
