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The Power of a Mom Group in Southern California
Kendra Wilkinson, a well-known figure from her time on The Girls Next Door, has experienced the dynamics of mom groups in her Southern California neighborhood. At an event for the 25th anniversary issue of Supermodels Unlimited Magazine, she shared her insights with Us Weekly. “I’ve been through it,” she said. “I know how the mom group stuff goes, especially in Calabasas. The mom group stuff lives heavily in Calabasas.”
Wilkinson’s comments come after reading about Ashley Tisdale French’s controversial essay regarding her experience with a toxic mom group. This prompted her to reflect on her own experiences.
A Personal Reflection on Mom Groups
“I don’t get along with mom groups. I never fit into mom groups,” Wilkinson explained at SUR Restaurant & Lounge in West Hollywood, California. “I don’t know why. Anytime I involve myself in a mom group, I always hear from people that everyone starts talking s*** about me, and I’m sitting here, like, ‘What did I do? What?’ It’s something that drives me crazy.”
This sentiment resonates with many parents who have faced similar challenges within their local mom groups. The pressure to conform or the fear of being excluded can create a toxic environment that some find difficult to navigate.
Ashley Tisdale’s Experience
In a personal essay for The Cut published on January 1, Ashley Tisdale French recounted being left out of multiple events with her circle of mom friends. As a result, she decided to text the group that “this is too high school for me, and I don’t want to take part in it anymore.” She emphasized the importance of surrounding oneself with people who genuinely like you. “You deserve to go through motherhood with people who actually, you know, like you,” she wrote. “And if you have to wonder if they do, here’s the hard-earned lesson I hope you’ll take to heart: It’s not the right group for you.”
Focusing on Peace and Positivity
As Wilkinson continues raising her children, Hank Jr., 16, and Alijah, 11, with her ex-husband, Hank Baskett, she has chosen to avoid drama, especially with other moms. “I never want to be a part of that toxicity ever. I just want to keep life simple,” she explained. “You do grow out of stuff like that. I just want to raise my kids and stay peaceful. I don’t want to feel any negativity or drama with anyone. That’s what I’m all about these days.”
A New Chapter in Her Life
Wilkinson first rose to fame as one of Hugh Hefner’s girlfriends on E!’s The Girls Next Door. In recent years, the former Kendra On Top star has stepped away from reality TV to focus more on building her real estate career. Despite her transition from the spotlight, she still values the connection with her fans. “Whenever I post my kids on Instagram, it’s like a time-lapse. All of a sudden, people realize how old they are because time has passed,” she shared. “My two kids are just so humble. They’re so amazing. They’re so smart. They’re so kind. I couldn’t be happier with my kids.”
Future Prospects for Her Son
As for her son Hank Jr.’s possible future in athletics, Wilkinson confirmed that he continues to shine on the basketball court. “My son is killing it in basketball and I’m looking forward to seeing where time takes it,” she teased. “He plays basketball for the love of it, but I hope to see him one day thriving in college at a D1 school.”
