10 Comments

So so so en pointe !! How do you do it Emma ! You write from so far down in the depths of the reality of our hearts - I often dont realise I feel the same as you until my tears start to surface. You make me smile and cry all at once - I will never not enjoy reading your accounts of such real, raw, honest feelings that resonate so deeply with me and , no doubt, with so many of my other mum friends !!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️ xxx

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Aaw thank you so so much, for reading, for commenting, for understanding and for being part of it!! We're all in this together on this crazy journey of life, and to know that is resonates brings me such joy. Much love my friend ❤️

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This is so beautifully written. It makes my heart ache a little for the sibling relationship my daughter won’t have, and that I won’t have the extra for cuddles while one is occupied. 😊 But I am so lucky with my one.

At 3 I saw the frenemy states begin. I couldn’t believe it starts so early… and it’s still going and I suspect will continue until late teens, at least. It is the worst part of parenting for me so far: not being able to fix friendships for her.

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Aah Jen, thank you for your lovely words ❤️ and what love your daughter will have. That's so beautiful. The agony of not being able to fix friendships is brutal, but they do find their way. How old is your daughter now? x

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Almost 5! Many years of social dramas to navigate for her and, vicariously, for me. :-D

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Indeed...I think I've got many years ahead still myself! Not sure it ever ends 🤣🫶

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No, not every kid tries vaping. Please do not ever put that thought into your kids' minds. I never experimented with any kinds of drugs or alcohol as a kid, and I know I'm not unique enough to be the only one.

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It is a generalisation, however every teen I know in their peer group has tried vaping as sadly it is quite endemic here - too easy to get hold of. If others don't try it, that's great 🙏.

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It’s rumoured 80% of the kids here in secondary vape (East Yorkshire) - I heard 90% at a school in Spain. I’ve known one or two friends that never smoked or took drugs. I was always in awe of them, even when I did. It must be super tricky to get that balance with teenagers, to harness that trust whilst ensuring their safety.

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Yes, those statistics don't surprise me. It's inevitable that kids where we live will encounter it, but Michael is right in that not 'all' of them will try it of course. In our experience that has been the way of it though. It is a tricky balance!!

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