Tori Spelling opened up on Instagram about struggles that her oldest children with Dean McDermott have been having with school. The couple has 5 children — Liam, 12, Stella, 11, Hattie, 8, Finn, 7, and Beau, 2 — as well as McDermott’s son Jack from his previous marriage.
Alongside a picture of Liam and Stella as toddlers, Spelling explained that she was hesitant to speak about their issues at school because “as celebs we are sometimes judged for have problems others have.” However, this #worriedmomma opened up to her followers about the cruel bullying that these kids have faced over the years.
Spelling started with her oldest daughter, Stella, who was bullied so badly after making the transition from elementary to junior high that she had to change schools.
“Stella is 11. She was 1 in this pic. Innocent little being that only knew unconditional love, honest, exploration, & kindness. Her beautiful heart, full of hope. Between her last year at elementary school or the 1st year at her middle school this human as endured enough bullying for a lifetime. Her old school in Encino, we were told she is acting like ‘Patient zero’ and ‘she was playing the victim’ & ‘we are talking to the parents of that said bully’ and ‘he is trying to change.’ He never did! Never any consequences for his actions towards my daughter and other kids. This child’s parents are on the board of the school. They give a lot of money to this school. Financially, we aren’t able too [sic]. So, they won.”
Spelling detailed their move to a different school and the harassment that Stella faced there as well. While this situation had a more positive outcome, Spelling explained that the damage to Stella’s mental health was ongoing.
“We then moved kiddos to another school. One, that professed feelings and kindness as a priority. This time, my daughter was bullied so bad (including comments about her weight and sexual things that my daughter didn’t even know about.). This school did the right thing and expelled the boy but the damage had been done. She now associates her education with boys that have been so horrific to her. She wanted to empower other girls and be a business leader. She now has panic attacks and doesn’t want to return to school. This girl, 2 years ago told me she wanted to be President or work to empower women daily.”
It wasn’t just Stella either, but also Spelling’s oldest child, Liam. However, his issues were also with uncaring administration as well as kids his own age.
“Liam, my 1st born, is a feisty funny guy. 2 thumbs up in this pic at 2 years old. He graduated last year from Encino but not without the principal telling us he was ‘unmotivated’ & lazy. Poor guy thought from way he was treated by her that he was ‘stupid.’ Beyond not the case. He is a hilarious, smart, outgoing and creative kind guy! Then, he started his new middle school. Same school as Stella. He was bullied to the point that he was developed severe emotional based headaches and stomach aches. This school (who did help with Stella’s situation) did not help with Liam’s. He continued to be bullied so bad we had to leave.”
Spelling is as concerned as any mother would be for her children, so hopefully they’ll find a program that suits their needs better.
