7-Year-Old Girl Responds Confidently to 'Mean' Classmates

Mom Maren Droubay says she was "majorly impressed, touched, and cried happy tears" at her daughter Emmie's mature response.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A video of a 2nd grade student named Emmie Droubay, 7, confidently telling her mom how she responded to bullies has gone viral on Instagram, amassing 8.5 million views. In the clip, Emmie explains that when other girls at her new school said they "don't like you," she responded by saying that her family sees her as a "princess" who is "super kind and nice," and that if the other girls don't see her that way, "that's OK" because that's how she sees herself.

Why it matters

The video highlights the importance of instilling confidence and positive self-talk in children, especially as they navigate the "usual ups and downs of girlhood" and potential bullying. Emmie's mature response serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that encouraging a strong sense of self-worth can have, even at a young age.

The details

Emmie's mom, Maren Droubay, 32, recently relocated the family from Utah to Brooklyn, New York, which has been an adjustment for her daughter. Maren says she and her family have worked to build up Emmie's confidence from an early age, referring to her as their "princess" and encouraging her to "have courage and be kind." When Emmie experienced "mean words" from other girls at her new school, she chose to respond by affirming her own self-worth rather than retaliating.

  • The video was shared on Maren's Instagram account on March 5, 2026.

The players

Emmie Droubay

A 7-year-old 2nd grade student who confidently responded to bullying from classmates at her new school in Brooklyn, New York.

Maren Droubay

Emmie's 32-year-old mother, who recently relocated the family from Utah to Brooklyn and was impressed by her daughter's mature response to the bullying incident.

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What they’re saying

“When Emmie was experiencing some mean words from other girls at school such as 'I don't like you.'”

— Maren Droubay, Mother (Newsweek)

“My family thinks I'm a princess and I am super kind and nice. But if you don't think that, that's OK because that's what I think of myself and that's who I actually am.”

— Emmie Droubay (Newsweek)

“I was majorly impressed, touched, and cried happy tears as she relayed her story to me.”

— Maren Droubay, Mother (Newsweek)

The takeaway

Emmie's confident and kind response to bullying serves as an inspiring example of the power of positive self-talk and self-acceptance, even at a young age. Her story highlights the importance of instilling confidence and kindness in children to help them navigate the challenges of growing up.