“I think it’s probably something biological, about trying to keep them safe, and the wires have got crossed and instead of feeling like we need a nicer cave to keep the baby in we feel like bad mums because we buy most of our clothes from the Fara Charity shop”.
Your whole piece was great but I loved this quote especially.
I once bought a Land Rover branded pushchair, on the grounds that it would elevate my children’s outlook on the world and be a marker of social status that I was very far from possessing. Also, it failed to impart the “run across fields with your giggling children jiggling ahead” vibes that its bearing suggested. It was as crappily over-confident of its own abilities as anything else in the luxury-vehicle world.
I had these and other struggles with my son, now 27 and then my daughter, now 13, as a solo Mum (I’m 53…life is messy!).
You are not alone Rebecca, in fact your story took me way back and my memories of those days came back to me fondly. We made it through, we’re stronger for it and both of my children have a good appreciation of the value of the pound in your pocket. My daughter has recently become a charity shopper Queen!
You’ve got this, you are doing an amazing job in raising your precious little daughter, you are a beautiful person with much to give. So try not to worry too much because everything you do for Margot, is done with love and that, dearest Rebecca, is what lasts ❤️
I have no idea who in their right mind shops in Trotters (price, not necessarily style). As I started to read this, I was thinking: you need to get yourself to Fara.
I think not being able to give your kids what you had is a depressing trend, if you consider that past generations of so-called working-class kids, for example (of which I'm one), had access to full university grants. Even then, it wasn't a lot of money compared to the kids who brought fancy sound systems, TVs etc to uni, whereas my room had a couple of posters and a wicker bin! All those opportunities have been closed off and with them, a sense of the upward mobility for our children that we took for granted.
"In my case because when it comes to shopping I have a limited budget and I only ever want to buy dresses, because I think dresses are fun and sexy and are an entire outfit so therefore answer the entire question of what am I going to wear.." HARD RELATE-love Salima xx
I guess those shops/brands are selling overpriced stuff, and to do that they have to make you feel bad about your existing pyjamas and life. It's really crappy!
Also I wonder if you have a photo of the posh pyjamas you had as a kid because it was a special moment.
“I think it’s probably something biological, about trying to keep them safe, and the wires have got crossed and instead of feeling like we need a nicer cave to keep the baby in we feel like bad mums because we buy most of our clothes from the Fara Charity shop”.
Your whole piece was great but I loved this quote especially.
Thank you so much <3
I once bought a Land Rover branded pushchair, on the grounds that it would elevate my children’s outlook on the world and be a marker of social status that I was very far from possessing. Also, it failed to impart the “run across fields with your giggling children jiggling ahead” vibes that its bearing suggested. It was as crappily over-confident of its own abilities as anything else in the luxury-vehicle world.
I picked my pram because it's the same one Blake Lively has - as if that was going to make my life anything like hers?!
Just Googled “blake lively stroller” and my GOODNESS the product placement filling that lady’s days.
I just love your Substack. I whoop when it lands in my inbox.
This made my morning, thank you x
I had these and other struggles with my son, now 27 and then my daughter, now 13, as a solo Mum (I’m 53…life is messy!).
You are not alone Rebecca, in fact your story took me way back and my memories of those days came back to me fondly. We made it through, we’re stronger for it and both of my children have a good appreciation of the value of the pound in your pocket. My daughter has recently become a charity shopper Queen!
You’ve got this, you are doing an amazing job in raising your precious little daughter, you are a beautiful person with much to give. So try not to worry too much because everything you do for Margot, is done with love and that, dearest Rebecca, is what lasts ❤️
I have no idea who in their right mind shops in Trotters (price, not necessarily style). As I started to read this, I was thinking: you need to get yourself to Fara.
I think not being able to give your kids what you had is a depressing trend, if you consider that past generations of so-called working-class kids, for example (of which I'm one), had access to full university grants. Even then, it wasn't a lot of money compared to the kids who brought fancy sound systems, TVs etc to uni, whereas my room had a couple of posters and a wicker bin! All those opportunities have been closed off and with them, a sense of the upward mobility for our children that we took for granted.
"In my case because when it comes to shopping I have a limited budget and I only ever want to buy dresses, because I think dresses are fun and sexy and are an entire outfit so therefore answer the entire question of what am I going to wear.." HARD RELATE-love Salima xx
I feel the same!! Laughed at ‘prince George cosplay vibes’ too.
It's probably good that I can't afford it or she'd be walking around south london dressed like a spanish princess!
Well exactly. A combination of different brands and styles is far cooler ;) though I also lurk looking for Trotters, Polarn etc on Vinted..!
I guess those shops/brands are selling overpriced stuff, and to do that they have to make you feel bad about your existing pyjamas and life. It's really crappy!
Also I wonder if you have a photo of the posh pyjamas you had as a kid because it was a special moment.