Out of all the essays I’ve read on motherhood, this one I felt so deeply. There’s something beautiful about being in the trenches together with a group of women all going through the same thing. But, that’s not where you learn, see the strength you unknowingly develop over the years, and see the sturdiness of knowing what’s possible.
Stunning. I look around at the diversity I have awaiting to carry me from maiden to mother and feel so so excited! Thank you for this sacred distinction!
I feel this deeply and loved reading this so much. Thank you 🙏 Having my first baby at 42, most of my friendships and family have older children and I’ve had to reach out for new friendships with new Mum’s. I also realise how much my 18month old prefers older kids to watch and learn from, so although it’s nice to share the trenches, its so nice to spend time with those that are through those times, even if they forget all the little details of the early years
I loved this, Kat. I suppose I have had a morphing village since my baby was born just over a year ago. I live in a very diverse part of London and when I was battling the idea that my daughter had to be 'put down' for naps, I started a council run baby massage course. There was a woman on her second child, one on her sixth, and the course was run by a wonderful West African teacher who talked me through baby wearing and what was common practice in her culture. It was the best experience and made me so much less anxious about 'ruining' my child. I'm not sure I would have acheived the same if I hadn't thrown my circle wider at that time.
Ah yes indeed. I have such a new found respect and curiosity of those who are further along this journey. I have a substack-series coming up addressing this that I'm SO excited about. Taking longer than anticipated (I'm still being constantly reminded that time moves differently with children around) but will be out in a couple of weeks!
What a beautiful image and dream you create, Kat ❤️ thank you for your words, it’s hard for you to know the tangible impact but I know so many will be inspired by your vision, me included!
Oh this one hits me ever so gently and ever so deeply. I don’t know yet what the ripple effects will be, but your words have seeped in and are taking roots deep down. Thank you for this transforming read.
Oh how I loved this. I just had my fourth son age ranges 10 years to 5 months. I remember watching mothers of big families and yearning for the way their hands were so competent and their minds were so zen and they were with me even as they were with everyone else. Reading this brought me to tears because for the first time I see that this is me now. For other moms. For the women with one or two little people who drop in. You’ve reminded me why they come—what they are watching, what they are learning, what they are longing for. It makes me feel so good. Thank you 🧡
Thank you for this reminder. I love my friends who are in it with me with their little ones too. But I also appreciate my friends, in a totally different way, who have older children and remind me this too shall pass.
Beautiful words Kat. Yes L is 10 this year… it’s been different for a while… less of an up level and more of a deep knowing, a remembering.
I find the village in the way my children lean into the people around them, the way they are curious and realise the ways of things without needing to be taught…
It wasn’t really ever about me at all although I did need and find connection in the early days of course.
It was more about my softer recognition of them and their wisdom in our shared world. Navigating it together….
There’s a saying that goes- “children are our biggest teachers” and never have our found that to be more true than when it comes to “the village” especially the one we live in right now.
Grateful for this topic being stirred up in me as we contemplate loss of a dear neighbour this evening. A mother, a grandmother, a wise soul at 92 and one who gifted so much to us in very quiet and beautiful ways. 🙏 ✨
Out of all the essays I’ve read on motherhood, this one I felt so deeply. There’s something beautiful about being in the trenches together with a group of women all going through the same thing. But, that’s not where you learn, see the strength you unknowingly develop over the years, and see the sturdiness of knowing what’s possible.
Stunning. I look around at the diversity I have awaiting to carry me from maiden to mother and feel so so excited! Thank you for this sacred distinction!
Oh yes yes! We truly need diversity to receive the full spectrum of wisdom that comes from all stages and phases. Love this piece so much. Xx
I feel this deeply and loved reading this so much. Thank you 🙏 Having my first baby at 42, most of my friendships and family have older children and I’ve had to reach out for new friendships with new Mum’s. I also realise how much my 18month old prefers older kids to watch and learn from, so although it’s nice to share the trenches, its so nice to spend time with those that are through those times, even if they forget all the little details of the early years
Yes totally! Funny how our kids are drawn to where they can learn too!
I loved this, Kat. I suppose I have had a morphing village since my baby was born just over a year ago. I live in a very diverse part of London and when I was battling the idea that my daughter had to be 'put down' for naps, I started a council run baby massage course. There was a woman on her second child, one on her sixth, and the course was run by a wonderful West African teacher who talked me through baby wearing and what was common practice in her culture. It was the best experience and made me so much less anxious about 'ruining' my child. I'm not sure I would have acheived the same if I hadn't thrown my circle wider at that time.
Yes absolutley! Love that! I had Rafi on either myself or Tully every single nap until he was 11 months old! Can relate x
Love this one Kat. Thank you. Thank you 💋
Ah yes indeed. I have such a new found respect and curiosity of those who are further along this journey. I have a substack-series coming up addressing this that I'm SO excited about. Taking longer than anticipated (I'm still being constantly reminded that time moves differently with children around) but will be out in a couple of weeks!
Tag me so I can come read!
What a beautiful image and dream you create, Kat ❤️ thank you for your words, it’s hard for you to know the tangible impact but I know so many will be inspired by your vision, me included!
Oh thank you for a beautiful comment Hannah 😍😍
This is so beautiful. Like arms reaching out. Thank you
YES YES YES
Oh this one hits me ever so gently and ever so deeply. I don’t know yet what the ripple effects will be, but your words have seeped in and are taking roots deep down. Thank you for this transforming read.
Thank you for taking the time xxx and sharing the love
Ah just perfect Kat 👌
Oh how I loved this. I just had my fourth son age ranges 10 years to 5 months. I remember watching mothers of big families and yearning for the way their hands were so competent and their minds were so zen and they were with me even as they were with everyone else. Reading this brought me to tears because for the first time I see that this is me now. For other moms. For the women with one or two little people who drop in. You’ve reminded me why they come—what they are watching, what they are learning, what they are longing for. It makes me feel so good. Thank you 🧡
In awe of you mama! Thank you for saying all of this! And seeing yourself in the magnificence. X
Thank you for this reminder. I love my friends who are in it with me with their little ones too. But I also appreciate my friends, in a totally different way, who have older children and remind me this too shall pass.
Yes! How temporary or like “not a big deal” so much of it is
Brilliant, just brilliant 👏
Thank you for reading x
Beautiful words Kat. Yes L is 10 this year… it’s been different for a while… less of an up level and more of a deep knowing, a remembering.
I find the village in the way my children lean into the people around them, the way they are curious and realise the ways of things without needing to be taught…
It wasn’t really ever about me at all although I did need and find connection in the early days of course.
It was more about my softer recognition of them and their wisdom in our shared world. Navigating it together….
There’s a saying that goes- “children are our biggest teachers” and never have our found that to be more true than when it comes to “the village” especially the one we live in right now.
Grateful for this topic being stirred up in me as we contemplate loss of a dear neighbour this evening. A mother, a grandmother, a wise soul at 92 and one who gifted so much to us in very quiet and beautiful ways. 🙏 ✨