I left a mom group over parenting decisions. I don't regret it.

Courtesy of the author

• I joined a mom group seeking support, but I found judgment instead.
• My parenting style, combined with having five kids, made me an outsider.
• Leaving the group helped me redefine what community really is.

I should have sensed the judgment the minute I arrived at the first playdate with four kids in tow and another on the way. Instead, I was thrilled to finally find my "village" that I'd heard so much about — a group of moms who met a...