More "entitled" moms
Sidekick momsThese moms define themselves in relation to a more powerful peer. They are second in command beneath the Queen Bees. A Sidekick Mom typically:
Organizes her child's calendar so he or she is in the same activities as the Queen Bee Mom's child.
Forces her child (she would say "encourages") to be friends with the Queen Bees in the class or the child of the Queen Bee Mom.
Finds any opportunity to share her child's latest accomplishments but is careful not to overshadow the Queen Bee's child.
Is very much a believer in the "let's let the kids work it out" parenting philosophy -- until it's her child who's being wronged. (Just like Queen Bee Moms.)
Won't usually apologize for her child's behavior unless the "wronged" child or his or her parents are considered to have higher social status, or there is no social or other cost. Then she is graciousness personified.
Is very focused on getting her child into the "right" activities and classes and sees her motivation as based solely on acting in the best interest of the child.
Joins in when other parents gossip about another child, parent, or teacher.
Can start gossip but looks to the Queen Bee Mom for affirmation.
Starbucks & sympathy moms
Have you ever had another mom approach you after you've had an unpleasant encounter with someone else, offer to be a source of comfort, agree with your assessment of the confrontation, and then suddenly turn on you at a convenient (for her) time? That's what Starbucks & Sympathy Moms do. They're very smart but also good at hiding it. Their strength is figuring out where other mothers feel vulnerable, gathering that information, and spreading it around when it's most advantageous to themselves.
Queen Bee Moms are also fond of using gossip strategically, but they're more clearly trying to run the show. Starbucks & Sympathy Moms are happy to have their power and position based solely on their ability to wield power behind the scenes.