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Kate Poll's avatar

I don’t know why this essay makes me cry. It encapsulates with the lightness of summary and throwaway insight so much of the joy, fear, tension and stress that comes with parenting young children. With our youngest children, twins, now 16 (awaiting G.C.S.E results) we’ve been through the lot – mainstream, Steiner, homeschool too. It’s A LOT as my stepdaughter would say! This essay holds it.

Thank you, Claire, for your support and holding of us this past month or so through the digital magazine course.

I wish you a summer filled with fun and some spaciousness, creativity and self-nurture. Feel free to join me for free writing for wellbeing on Wednesdays if you fancy it.

Claire Venus ✨'s avatar

Aww thank you for being a witness Kate - it is indeed a lot and now we're in the slower summer days - permission to give ourselves space and grace to catch up. GSCEs is such a massive milestone - you never forget that feeling of being 15/16 do you - feels like yesterday... I remember being so nervous.

Kate Poll's avatar

Yes. Too much pressure. I think the testing system (& education more widely) is so archaic and unimaginative – not fit to fairly and effectively educate and prepare children for the adult world. A complete overall is needed. Our middle child dodged the GCSEs as she was steiner educated 11-18. That had its own issues and, for a number of issues, wasn’t an option for the twins to continue through. There current school is massive but lovely. Fingers’ crossed they get the grades to stay! 🤞💪

Carole Prestedge's avatar

i am old now a new grandma, family live overseas I am here alone, not needed well for now. I loved reading that post it took me back to being a younger woman, single self employed mam - juggling it all, doing my best failing often but love love loved it and I miss it so much. Time really does fly. My son wasn't planned and I was in my late thirties when I had him but he changed my life, totally. Thanks for your writing.

Claire Venus ✨'s avatar

Aw Carol you're welcome - thank you for being here. xx

Christine Staricka's avatar

You are such an inspiring human, @Claire!

Claire Venus ✨'s avatar

Thank you and ditto!

Mackenzie's avatar

Enjoyed reading your words here, Claire 💫💗

Claire Venus ✨'s avatar

Thanks Mackenzie - hope all is well with you? Cx

Emma O'Rourke's avatar

really enjoyed this claire x

Claire Venus ✨'s avatar

Thanks Emma - hope you have a gorgeous summer.

Jo Gray's avatar

This post expressed some of the things I was feeling, even from the other side…the end of the school year feels hugely emotional to me as a deep-feeling teacher! My toddler’s got ill this weekend and the emotions are spilling over, regulating on behalf of little people is a life’s work hey ❤️

Claire Venus ✨'s avatar

It really is - thanks for being here Jo - I feel so held having other women and mothers witness my words. xx

Anna McNuff's avatar

Ok, maybe you’re offline now Claire but I adored this! I floated down the page with these words. Such a beautiful, raw way of laying it all out. It felt like sitting on thought clouds, floating around your brain (maybe drinking a cocktail while you mused ☁️🍹). Just lovely. Enjoy the summer, all of you. ✨ ☀️ 💖💖 xx

Claire Venus ✨'s avatar

Thank you love... I feel like one of my strengths is pulling the words through the emotions - I'm trying that out in my book too... eek! Happy summer to all of you too. xx

Kendall Marie Platt 🌱's avatar

🤣🤣🤣 at Luna’s scrapbook being half full. Arwens would be exactly the same!

I feel you on the inertia and fighting the urge to do something productive.

Spent a gorgeous couple of hours in the garden yesterday reading Emma Gannon’s A Creative Compass book and journaling on the prompts in it. Not a phone in sight and it was glorious. Happy Summer darling xx

Claire Venus ✨'s avatar

Her hyper focus is unreal honestly - lol. I bought them a copy of Selina's Project You notebook each as she's having a sale. LOVE that for you - I'm half way through. I gardened yesterday for my mood and exercise - it was WONDERFUL. I'll text and show you. Happy Summer to you all xx

Kendall Marie Platt 🌱's avatar

Yes do! I’ve got a date with my garden today 😍

Claire Venus ✨'s avatar

Every damn day!