We’ve received some really touching emails and comments this week about what JUNO has meant to you - thank you. It’s been so special to read them!

While we’re sad that the print magazine has come to an end, we’re looking forward to continuing to share thoughtful online content with you here in the newsletter.

Below we’ve shared Angeline Braidwood’s reflections on 100 issues of JUNO, and would love to hear from you about how you first came across the magazine.

There are also some wonderful artistic opportunities in the latest Creative Space, with deadlines in early March so do check those out.

Angeline Braidwood reflects on her evolving connection with JUNO in the twenty years since she picked up her first copy

I don’t remember picking up my first copy of JUNO. In those hazy first few months of being a mum, that’s not what stands out. I remember the exhaustion, the difficulties of recovering from a c-section, the vulnerability I felt breastfeeding my daughter – as well as the joy and wonder. I was a mum to this incredible little being and, possibly for the first time in my life, I really felt I was living in the moment – every tiring, emotional…

Read article

Get your copy of the final printed issue

There are limited copies remaining of our 100th - and final - printed issue. There will be no reprints.

Order your copy

Books for Inspiration: Navigating Challenge Together

Review highlight of ‘The Map of Me’ by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Olga Shtonda: “The map in this story continues to grow and it becomes a way of imagining every wonderful thing that is possible: a way of recording, but also a way of dreaming. This lovely story offers the gentle message that we can build a better future for ourselves and the world.”

Read reviews

Complete your collection

We have limited stock available and won’t be doing any reprints. See all in-stock back issues of JUNO here, and all our bundle options here.

Last chance to enter

Competitions close at midnight (GMT) 22 February 2026.

Win one of three colouring bundles from Search Press!

Enter here

Win a Puffins Hirta Baby Wrap!

Enter here

Here are the latest offers from JUNO partners — we hope you discover something you love!

Wellbeing

Saskia’s Flower Essences | Award winning essences for your emotional wellbeing and support with life’s struggles. saskiasfloweressences.com

Mothers Uncovered | Empowering women in matrescence using arts sessions. A safe space to explore the reality of motherhood, openly and honestly, without judgement. mothersuncovered.com

Life Proof Family | Healing parents, healing children and freeing future generations. lifeprooffamily.com

Learning

Muddy Faces | Outdoor play, learning & Forest School. Get 5% off with code JUNO255. muddyfaces.co.uk

Michael Hall Waldorf School | Sussex, UK. A warm, nurturing, nature-inspired environment fostering play, imagination and community connection. michaelhall.co.uk

Events

Elderflower Fields | The perfect first festival for families, nestled in the breathtaking Sussex countryside. 22 until 25 May 2026. elderflowerfields.co.uk

For little ones

Ducky Zebra | Award-winning sustainable kids clothes, free from stereotypes. Ideal for those frustrated by the pink/blue divide. duckyzebra.com

Frog Bikes | Give the gift of adventure this Christmas! Get 20% off Tadpole Plus balance bikes, designed for 3–4 year olds. The perfect festive present to spark confidence, independence, and endless fun for your little rider. While stocks last. frogbikes.com

Playpress Toys | Earth-friendly 3D playsets designed and made in the UK. Recyclable, biodegradable, sustainable. Get 10% off and free post with code JUNO10. playpresstoys.com

Conscious Craft | Wooden toys, dolls, tools and craft supplies. Get 10% off with code JUNO10. consciouscraft.uk

The Storyhouse | Modular dollhouses that pack flat and wallpapers that attach with 1 click! thestoryhouse.toys

The Den Kit Co. | Inspiring outdoor play. Use code JUNO for 5% off! thedenkitco.com

Mud + Bloom | Connecting children with nature. 15% off with code JUNO15. mudandbloom.com

Music Box | Make December magical with musical advent calendars and cards. Sign up for the newsletter for 10% off your first order! PLUS 10% of sales are donated to Make-A-Wish UK. musicbox.co.uk

Myriad | Toys and crafts to fire the imagination. myriadonline.co.uk

We 🧡 books!

2026 Children’s Almanac | Discover a year full of WONDER! Every month find out what’s happening in nature, sports, the world, astronomy, science and more. harpercollins.co.uk

Permanent Publications | Books to empower and inspire changemakers the world over. permanentpublications.co.uk

Emma Rosen Books | Children’s and non-fiction author with books to inspire and inform. Get 15% off with code JUNO15. emmarosenbooks.co.uk

Floris Books | Discover wonderful stories to treasure. Use code JUX25 to get 20% off selected titles (see magazine). florisbooks.co.uk

For parents

Natracare | Sustainable personal care for all 💚 natracare.com

JUNO print subscription | Get a FREE gift when you subscribe!* junomagazine.com

Oscha | Baby slings ethically handmade in Scotland. Get 10% off with code JUNO10. oschaslings.com

Hana Baby | Bamboo baby wraps and organic soft structured carriers. hanababy.co.uk

Tiger Tags | Personalised name labels and tags for kids. tigertags.co.uk

Portraits in Prose | Beautiful photo book texts, written with your words and those of your loved ones, celebrating the milestones of life. portraitsinprose.co.uk

Jo Haycock Photography | Storytelling photographer based in Monmouthshire, South Wales. johaycockphotography.co.uk

Natural bodycare

Lyonsleaf | Natural skincare handcrafted in Somerset. 20% off with code JUNO20. lyonsleaf.co.uk

Friendly Soap | Vegan, cruelty-free, hypoallergenic and plastic-free! 15% off with code JUNO15. friendlysoap.co.uk

Code not working? Let us know 🧡

Dear friends

It is with great sadness that we share that Issue 100 will be the final printed issue of JUNO magazine. 🧡

We know that many of you have been loyal readers for many years and the magazine will be missed. This decision has not been taken lightly. JUNO has been an important part of our lives and, together with our family, we have learnt and grown so much through everything we have published and experienced over the past 16 years.

As an independently published magazine, always led by thoughtful, values-driven content, we have worked hard to protect the heart of JUNO. In recent years, rising print and postage costs, alongside wider changes in publishing, have made continuing the printed edition increasingly challenging. Our focus will now be on continuing to share the information, support and beauty that remain as JUNO’s legacy through our back issues, website, and digital platforms.

We will continue to sell our wonderful 100th issue and archive issues, alongside copies of The Mother Magazine, which became part of the JUNO family in 2017. Digital versions of JUNO will continue to be available via the app, Exact Editions and Substack for the time being.

We would like to thank you all for your support and love for JUNO. The beautiful community that has grown around the magazine has helped shape what it is, and we’ve loved connecting with so many of you over the years.

We are also deeply grateful to our valued subscribers, and the ethical brands and partners who believed in independent publishing and helped make each issue possible.

With love

Saffia & Matthew

Complete your collection

We have limited stock available and won’t be doing any reprints. See all in-stock back issues of JUNO here, and all our bundle options here.

Order here

Order here

Order here

Competitions

Competitions close at midnight (GMT) 22 February 2026.

Win one of three colouring bundles from Search Press!

Enter here

Win a Puffins Hirta Baby Wrap!

Enter here

Here are the latest offers from JUNO partners — we hope you discover something you love!

Wellbeing

Saskia’s Flower Essences | Award winning essences for your emotional wellbeing and support with life’s struggles. saskiasfloweressences.com

Mothers Uncovered | Empowering women in matrescence using arts sessions. A safe space to explore the reality of motherhood, openly and honestly, without judgement. mothersuncovered.com

Life Proof Family | Healing parents, healing children and freeing future generations. lifeprooffamily.com

Learning

Muddy Faces | Outdoor play, learning & Forest School. Get 5% off with code JUNO255. muddyfaces.co.uk

Michael Hall Waldorf School | Sussex, UK. A warm, nurturing, nature-inspired environment fostering play, imagination and community connection. michaelhall.co.uk

Events

Elderflower Fields | The perfect first festival for families, nestled in the breathtaking Sussex countryside. 22 until 25 May 2026. elderflowerfields.co.uk

For little ones

Ducky Zebra | Award-winning sustainable kids clothes, free from stereotypes. Ideal for those frustrated by the pink/blue divide. duckyzebra.com

Frog Bikes | Give the gift of adventure this Christmas! Get 20% off Tadpole Plus balance bikes, designed for 3–4 year olds. The perfect festive present to spark confidence, independence, and endless fun for your little rider. While stocks last. frogbikes.com

Playpress Toys | Earth-friendly 3D playsets designed and made in the UK. Recyclable, biodegradable, sustainable. Get 10% off and free post with code JUNO10. playpresstoys.com

Conscious Craft | Wooden toys, dolls, tools and craft supplies. Get 10% off with code JUNO10. consciouscraft.uk

The Storyhouse | Modular dollhouses that pack flat and wallpapers that attach with 1 click! thestoryhouse.toys

The Den Kit Co. | Inspiring outdoor play. Use code JUNO for 5% off! thedenkitco.com

Mud + Bloom | Connecting children with nature. 15% off with code JUNO15. mudandbloom.com

Music Box | Make December magical with musical advent calendars and cards. Sign up for the newsletter for 10% off your first order! PLUS 10% of sales are donated to Make-A-Wish UK. musicbox.co.uk

Myriad | Toys and crafts to fire the imagination. myriadonline.co.uk

We 🧡 books!

2026 Children’s Almanac | Discover a year full of WONDER! Every month find out what’s happening in nature, sports, the world, astronomy, science and more. harpercollins.co.uk

Permanent Publications | Books to empower and inspire changemakers the world over. permanentpublications.co.uk

Emma Rosen Books | Children’s and non-fiction author with books to inspire and inform. Get 15% off with code JUNO15. emmarosenbooks.co.uk

Floris Books | Discover wonderful stories to treasure. Use code JUX25 to get 20% off selected titles (see magazine). florisbooks.co.uk

For parents

Natracare | Sustainable personal care for all 💚 natracare.com

JUNO print subscription | Get a FREE gift when you subscribe!* junomagazine.com

Oscha | Baby slings ethically handmade in Scotland. Get 10% off with code JUNO10. oschaslings.com

Hana Baby | Bamboo baby wraps and organic soft structured carriers. hanababy.co.uk

Tiger Tags | Personalised name labels and tags for kids. tigertags.co.uk

Portraits in Prose | Beautiful photo book texts, written with your words and those of your loved ones, celebrating the milestones of life. portraitsinprose.co.uk

Jo Haycock Photography | Storytelling photographer based in Monmouthshire, South Wales. johaycockphotography.co.uk

Natural bodycare

Lyonsleaf | Natural skincare handcrafted in Somerset. 20% off with code JUNO20. lyonsleaf.co.uk

Friendly Soap | Vegan, cruelty-free, hypoallergenic and plastic-free! 15% off with code JUNO15. friendlysoap.co.uk

Code not working? Let us know 🧡

✨ Our celebratory 100th issue has arrived! ✨

You can order a copy here, subscribe here, or access new articles straight away via Substack. We’re so excited to share some wonderful new articles with you over the coming weeks.

Congratulations to Morgane Chinal-Dargent who has created the winning piece of artwork for our 100th issue cover! Find out more here. Runner ups will be contacted this week. 🧡

In this issue, Angeline Braidwood speaks to JUNO’s editor, Saffia Farr, about saying yes to new opportunities - read the interview here. If this resonates with you, please get in touch!

Wilderness Mum

When I last spoke to JUNO, I was navigating first-time motherhood with my baby boy while walking the UK coastline, living outdoors and raising funds for the veterans’ charity SSAFA. I had met my partner, Chris Lewis, nearly two and a half years earlier at the bottom of a cliff on the north-west tip of Scotland in 2020, where he was three…

Read article

The Season of Second Chances

As spring unfolds, my reflections have been on parenting regret. This has been prompted in part by conversations on the subject that seem surprisingly universal, and in part by old memories rising – small scenes from my children’s younger days popping up like spring shoots, bringing a familiar ache. These are the quiet regrets…

Read article

Last chance to enter

These competitions close at midnight (GMT) 31 January 2026.

Win a Mini Micro Foldable LED scooter from Micro Scooters!

Enter here

Win a family ticket to Elderflower Fields festival!

Enter here

Win one of three dragon bundles from Floris Books!

Enter here

Hope you have a wonderful week ahead.

With love,

Jess & the JUNO team x

Here are the latest offers from JUNO partners — we hope you discover something you love!

Wellbeing

Saskia’s Flower Essences | Award winning essences for your emotional wellbeing and support with life’s struggles. saskiasfloweressences.com

Mothers Uncovered | Empowering women in matrescence using arts sessions. A safe space to explore the reality of motherhood, openly and honestly, without judgement. mothersuncovered.com

Life Proof Family | Healing parents, healing children and freeing future generations. lifeprooffamily.com

Learning

Muddy Faces | Outdoor play, learning & Forest School. Get 5% off with code JUNO255. muddyfaces.co.uk

Michael Hall Waldorf School | Sussex, UK. A warm, nurturing, nature-inspired environment fostering play, imagination and community connection. michaelhall.co.uk

Events

Elderflower Fields | The perfect first festival for families, nestled in the breathtaking Sussex countryside. 22 until 25 May 2026. elderflowerfields.co.uk

For little ones

Ducky Zebra | Award-winning sustainable kids clothes, free from stereotypes. Ideal for those frustrated by the pink/blue divide. duckyzebra.com

Frog Bikes | Give the gift of adventure this Christmas! Get 20% off Tadpole Plus balance bikes, designed for 3–4 year olds. The perfect festive present to spark confidence, independence, and endless fun for your little rider. While stocks last. frogbikes.com

Playpress Toys | Earth-friendly 3D playsets designed and made in the UK. Recyclable, biodegradable, sustainable. Get 10% off and free post with code JUNO10. playpresstoys.com

Conscious Craft | Wooden toys, dolls, tools and craft supplies. Get 10% off with code JUNO10. consciouscraft.uk

The Storyhouse | Modular dollhouses that pack flat and wallpapers that attach with 1 click! thestoryhouse.toys

The Den Kit Co. | Inspiring outdoor play. Use code JUNO for 5% off! thedenkitco.com

Mud + Bloom | Connecting children with nature. 15% off with code JUNO15. mudandbloom.com

Music Box | Make December magical with musical advent calendars and cards. Sign up for the newsletter for 10% off your first order! PLUS 10% of sales are donated to Make-A-Wish UK. musicbox.co.uk

Myriad | Toys and crafts to fire the imagination. myriadonline.co.uk

We 🧡 books!

2026 Children’s Almanac | Discover a year full of WONDER! Every month find out what’s happening in nature, sports, the world, astronomy, science and more. harpercollins.co.uk

Permanent Publications | Books to empower and inspire changemakers the world over. permanentpublications.co.uk

Emma Rosen Books | Children’s and non-fiction author with books to inspire and inform. Get 15% off with code JUNO15. emmarosenbooks.co.uk

Floris Books | Discover wonderful stories to treasure. Use code JUX25 to get 20% off selected titles (see magazine). florisbooks.co.uk

For parents

Natracare | Sustainable personal care for all 💚 natracare.com

JUNO print subscription | Get a FREE gift when you subscribe!* junomagazine.com

Oscha | Baby slings ethically handmade in Scotland. Get 10% off with code JUNO10. oschaslings.com

Hana Baby | Bamboo baby wraps and organic soft structured carriers. hanababy.co.uk

Tiger Tags | Personalised name labels and tags for kids. tigertags.co.uk

Portraits in Prose | Beautiful photo book texts, written with your words and those of your loved ones, celebrating the milestones of life. portraitsinprose.co.uk

Jo Haycock Photography | Storytelling photographer based in Monmouthshire, South Wales. johaycockphotography.co.uk

Natural bodycare

Lyonsleaf | Natural skincare handcrafted in Somerset. 20% off with code JUNO20. lyonsleaf.co.uk

Friendly Soap | Vegan, cruelty-free, hypoallergenic and plastic-free! 15% off with code JUNO15. friendlysoap.co.uk

Code not working? Let us know 🧡

Rei Alta Bairn Baby Carrier

I first tried out this carrier in the summer, and I still use it every day. I’ve carried my newborn and my toddler in it over the past few months and they both love it. It’s beautiful and I get stopped in the street by people asking where it’s from all the time. It’s ethically hand-crafted in Scotland and made with soft organic cotton fabric. The shimmer of the weave is fantastic. The colours range from the deepest blues to turquoise and rich teals, contrasted with an opulent, golden yarn. The wide padded straps make carrying easy and comfortable for both me and my husband (pictured), with a range of carries possible. It is lightweight, intuitive to use and fast to put on. It’s a truly versatile piece that will be used by our family for a long time. A great carrier for those who love Oscha fabrics but are less confident with wrapping. RKJ

£154 oschaslings.com

Twist & Lock Leakproof Trio

I am still enjoying this stack of three pots. I use them to store leftovers, as well as carrying them to work with my lunch. The twist lids fit really snuggly, so I don’t need to worry about keeping them upright in my bag without olive oil or sauces leaking out – always helpful when I’m rushing around! They are very fuss free; they have clean, simple lines and their wide openings allow easy access. This also means they clean well in the dishwasher as there are no small grooves for food to get stuck in. They still look good as new. They stack on top of each other for ease of use in the fridge, and inside each other for storage – a simple and helpful design. The three sizes (small, 250ml; medium, 500ml; and large, 700ml) are useful for different food items. SF

£35 elephantbox.co.uk

Kalahari Watermelon Body Moisturiser

I really love Akamuti products; they are natural, beautifully packaged and work really well. I have used and enjoyed lots of the body butters over the years. This cream is an exotic blend of omega-rich Kalahari watermelon oil, citrussy may chang, crisp and zesty lime and softening chamomile. This creates a thick and oily moisturiser – but it’s not greasy! The texture means you don’t need a lot on your skin to make it feel really soft afterwards. I love the smell – it’s so tangy – it reminded me of lemon sherbets! It’s a real treat. It also comes in an easy-to-use tin so you can get all the moisturiser out and it can be reused, so there’s no waste. SF

From £19.95 akamuti.co.uk

My First Farm

We’ve had this farm set since 2024, and it’s still a firm favourite. My son has loved discovering everything it offers, and has played with it consistently for over 18 months. It’s also popular with friends that come over to play. I have loved watching as his interest in different bits develops, along with his style of play. The six farm animals, bales of straw and the tractor, provide endless options for open-ended and imaginative play. It’s full of surprises: barn doors that slide open and shut, a tractor with a trailer for carting around the animals, even a lift to carry bales up to the first floor. It packs away and has a sturdy handle so little ones can carry it around. It’s a beautifully made toy with real longevity. I am certain my son, and now his brother, will continue to play with it for many more years to come. RKJ

£55 binkyshop.co.uk

Fit Pit Woman Natural Deodorant

I was introduced to this deodorant when it was part of a subscription gift set and I have found it to be fantastic! It’s handmade by The Green Woman and comes in a jar that is easy to wash and reuse for something else once the deodorant is finished. I used the 25ml travel size jar and, even though it’s only small, it lasted for ages as you only need a small amount for it to be effective. It applies easily and works so well – reducing sweating and odour, with no staining on clothes. It’s a certified organic, natural deodorant with a light floral scent and added essential oils to help balance hormones. I would definitely recommend giving this a try. SF

£12.47 for 100ml thegreenwoman.co.uk

Holztiger Wooden Animals

We have been enjoying Myriad products since we first started work on JUNO as Myriad has advertised in every issue and they sell some beautiful items! These animals have been a favourite. There is a huge range to choose from: farm animals with beautiful cart horses; wild, jungle animals with gorgeous elephants and lion families; sea animals; birds; and even dinosaurs. The animals are beautifully made in Europe from maple or beech wood and softly painted so that you can sometimes still see the grain. The wood is soft and tactile. They are a lovely size for little hands, but adults enjoy playing with them too. The dinosaur range is particularly fantastic. I can’t recommend these enough. SF

From £6.75 myriadonline.co.uk

Weleda Skin Food

This is a favourite of a few of us here at JUNO. I use it on my face, neck and hands, and dry spots such as elbows, knees and feet. It’s wonderful! It’s thick and rich, and feels like it really sinks in and nourishes the skin, leaving it hydrated. It smells delicious too. I find that it lasts well and so is good value for money. A perfect all-rounder that I buy again and again; my bedside table is never without it. It’s worth noting that it’s not vegan, due to the beeswax and lanolin content, but there are Skin Food Day and Night creams available that are vegan and they are also wonderful options. JH

£9.50 for 30ml weleda.co.uk

Lavender Natural Soap

Over the years I have used lots of Friendly Soap bars. I use the facial wash bar every day and I enjoy all the different types of bars available, with some incredible scents – including cinnamon. The lavender bar is one of my favourites because it has such a natural, calming scent. Friendly Soap bars are a great buy. They are made in the UK with sustainable plant-based ingredients, and they are vegan and free from plastic and harmful chemicals such as SLS and parabens. The prices also make the bars accessible and there are great deals on box sets. SF

£3.25 friendlysoap.co.uk

Scented Marshmallow Soften and Rejuvenate Facial Oil 30ml

I like to use facial oils so was delighted to be able to try this when it was a subscription gift for JUNO. It’s a lovely oil, light and easily absorbed, yet rich and deeply nourishing. My skin is soft and smooth after using it. Lyonsleaf has given it a light, woody, floral scent using only essential oils and rose flower extract, but there is an unscented version for those who prefer it. It’s designed specifically for use at night to complement the Lyonsleaf Beauty Balm, which is great for daytime use. The oil contains homegrown soothing calendula extract, but the star of the show is the marshmallow extract, known for improving a cell’s ability to hold moisture, and plumping skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Lyonsleaf recommends trying the oil on feet, elbows or hands damaged by water or roughened by gardening, which I shall now try too. SF

£18.99 lyonsleaf.co.uk

This 100th issue has become a celebration of the love, support, information, community, ideas and encouragement that JUNO offers. When we were planning the 100th issue, we asked readers to share their memories of JUNO with us and reading them has been incredibly heartwarming. While discussing this, Angeline Braidwood suggested that I be the 100th issue interviewee! Angeline and I met years ago at a babywearing event, when Angeline was running Sleepy Nico, and we’ve kept in touch through Angeline’s work for JUNO. I was flattered to be asked, and I found looking back on my JUNO life, and how it developed alongside my family life, inspiring. Reflecting on my nearly 15 years of JUNO (and 22 years of parenting) it’s incredible to think what we have done and what I have learned – as a parent as well as an editor. As you will discover in the interview, my hope is that my reflections will inspire others to step forward and take JUNO on into new life.

Parenting is hard, isn’t it? I love how Lizzie Mae Smith’s column reminds us that “regret is not evidence that we failed, but evidence that we loved”. We all have regrets. We look back and see incidents, episodes, periods of time when we know we could have done better. But as Lizzie says, we were in the moment, contending with all the issues we faced, without hindsight.

Rehana’s column is a helpful look at how we can help build resilience, and how we can reframe problems – I have taken much from reading that. This is what I still love best about JUNO: in every issue, I learn something. Someone shares a story or an experience that teaches me something and adds another piece to who I am and how I interact with the world.

The team here have had fun looking back over the years; I read my first editorial and could see how it still resonated and felt relevant. Every time I look at a JUNO back issue, I’m inspired by how good it still looks and how helpful the articles remain. But then, parenting will always be with us and we will always need support. We’ve also enjoyed thinking back over products we have been introduced to through JUNO, hence a more reflective review feature.

I will close by thanking everyone who has made JUNO possible over the years – from Patricia and Emma who started the magazine, through to Lucy, Kate, Helen and Zion, and now Rosalind, Jess, Jo, Lucy, Matthew and Alice. Also all the hundreds of amazing writers, artists, photographers and families who share their words, thoughts, images and talents with us. JUNO is what it is because of you. It’s such an important voice in this world, so thank you for continuing to contribute.

While the world turns digital, we still enjoy holding JUNO in our hands. Sometimes it’s good to be different and to think why we do things. This is the power of JUNO. So please, share this 100th issue with someone; use this special offer link to send someone a copy; buy one of our gorgeous back issues or gift boxes. Share the love and the joy and the learning. Here’s to the next 100 issues and all the parenting still to come.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 100TH ISSUE COVER WINNER

Congratulations to Morgane Chinal-Dargent who has created the winning piece of artwork for our 100th issue cover! We loved the tender family feel, which we felt represented JUNO and our community beautifully. Thank you to everyone who entered. We were overwhelmed by the number of entries and the incredible quality of the work. It was a very difficult decision choosing just one.

Featured contributor

Morgane Chinal-Dargent is a French freelance illustrator based in Brighton, and the founder of Nagaremono Studio. She launched the project in 2020, while navigating her first postpartum experience during the Covid pandemic, using illustration as a way to process, document, and give meaning to early motherhood. Her work is inspired by scenes from everyday family life as a mother of two, as well as by the quiet strength, resilience, and beauty she observes in women and mothers around her. Through Nagaremono Studio, Morgane is committed to making mothers visible, celebrating their lived experiences, and contributing to greater recognition of women’s emotional and creative labour. On Instagram @nagaremono_studio

Issue highlights

I love Amy Wilding’s article about understanding our menstrual cycles. This, again, is something I have learned through my work with JUNO. I find it hugely beneficial in my life, so am delighted to be featuring this in our 100th issue.

Abi Allanson’s feature on guiding young adults is really interesting. This is where my family is with our sons who are now both at university and struggling to juggle study deadlines, highly competitive placement applications and the fun side of university life! The role we have found is, as Abi says, to support by listening, reading a cover letter when asked, cooking a welcome meal and taking the washing off the to-do list when they come home, and just appreciating how utterly overwhelming and, frankly, scary the job market is for young people at the moment.

From fragile new mum, to entrepreneur, then budding writer and mum of teenagers, the beautiful, nurturing and well-thought-out piece of media that is JUNO has been there through it all.

I wrote to Saffia, JUNO’s editor, to ask if I might contribute something personal for the 100th issue and listed the ways in which it has been by my side for many years. It made me emotional to think about how the magazine meant so much to me. This was reflected in Saffia’s reply; my words had also made her feel quite teary. So, here is my journey with JUNO, sometimes there to hold my hand, sometimes to elevate me and push me forward.

I don’t remember picking up my first copy of JUNO. In those hazy first few months of being a mum, that’s not what stands out. I remember the exhaustion, the difficulties of recovering from a c-section, the vulnerability I felt breastfeeding my daughter – as well as the joy and wonder. I was a mum to this incredible little being and, possibly for the first time in my life, I really felt I was living in the moment – every tiring, emotional and incredible minute of it. I suspect the magazine came into my life when Amelia was around 6 months old. We had started practising elimination communication and I wonder if I found JUNO during my research.

I have always loved reading magazines and JUNO covered many topics and parenting ideas that aligned with me. Many of my days were spent with a sleeping infant on my chest, and so a ritual began: baby on chest, cup of tea to my left and JUNO propped up on my right. It felt such a treat and introduced me to new ways of thinking. Not long after I started subscribing, I wrote to the editor about how it made me feel and, to my huge delight, I was published on the letters page. I felt part of something special.

In 2011 we welcomed our beloved second daughter, Louisa. During what had been an exhausting and stressful pregnancy, I remember reading an article about a family who stopped buying plastic. It was incredibly inspiring and I really wanted to take that on for our family. At the time I was struggling with hyperemesis and had a stash of plastic carrier bags with me to throw up in when out and about. My mum, who always loved to hear about articles that were motivating me, prudently suggested that going plastic-free was something to think about after the baby was born and to focus on getting through each day! Naturally, I wrote to JUNO about this and again my letter was published. I was getting a taste for appearing in the magazine.

As a new parent, I discovered a brand of baby carrier I loved, Sleepy Nico. I bought one for 9-month-old Amelia and finding that it fitted perfectly, I became an unofficial ambassador. People stopped me in the street to comment on how pretty the sling was or how comfortable we both looked. I was friendly with one of the owners and I would always send mums her way. Jump forward about four years and I became the owner of Sleepy Nico. One of my first thoughts on taking it on was that I would like to work with JUNO. After all, I had been devouring the pages of the magazine for years and felt I was typical of the readership.

For eight years I advertised with JUNO (and I have all the adverts we created framed on my wall) as well as contributing copy to the Babywearing Special and writing for babywearing features in the magazine. This led to friendships that defined those parenting years. I met Rosie Knowles through her babywearing writing for JUNO, and the support of the Sheffield babywearing community in turn helped Sleepy Nico thrive while under my care. Rosie and her husband Rob have become dear friends, staying with us one sunny May bank holiday weekend and we recently caught up in Yorkshire over tea and cake. At the first babywearing event I attended I was by chance positioned next to JUNO’s exhibition stand and I met Saffia. This cemented our working relationship and was the start of our friendship. Saffia, with her editorial eye, has been instrumental in launching my writing career.

Running Sleepy Nico was an incredible, yet draining, experience; business is perhaps not my strength, though making connections and marketing are! In 2021 it was time to say goodbye to it. My children were bigger and the pressures of selling a UK brand in a busy market meant I had fallen out of love with this line of work. During the pandemic, I’d started writing up the stories of women I had met while running Sleepy Nico. My first story was with the owner of the woven wraps company Rowan Bay, Larissa Cooper, who had also become a friend. Other women I had the privilege of speaking to were Lorette Michallon from Slingababy, Sarah Sadler from Integra and the incredible Bisi Osundeko about her slings, political work and raising children with special needs. Saffia published a number of these interviews in JUNO, and by the time Sleepy Nico was sold in December 2021 (to another wonderful woman from the babywearing world, Lynsey Morgan), I was ready to call myself a freelance writer.

In the years since, I have had many articles featured in JUNO – mainly interviews, as I love to hear the stories of inspiring people. I have also written a couple of personal pieces – one about the developing relationship with my dad after losing my mum, and a humorous and thoughtful look at body hair. When I look back at what I have written, I can see that to me JUNO is more than just a place to publish my work; it is like talking to a friend – sharing my deepest sadnesses and most amusing anecdotes, as well as showing off on behalf of some amazing women. Outside JUNO, I’ve since been published in a number of other magazines and it is always a thrill to see my writing in print.

Click here to read the Body Hair article

My oldest daughter is now at university and the days of reading articles on breastfeeding and baby-led weaning are long behind me. What remains is the sense of family and support that come from the pages, and writing for JUNO makes me a part of that community. Maybe one day I’ll be writing ‘Voice of a Grandparent’ and celebrating the 200th issue with a story about my wrinkles or how I ditched my walking stick for tree climbing! Thank you, JUNO, for being by my side and helping me grow through word and deed.

Readers and contributors share what JUNO means to them in this milestone 100th issue

Is there one thing you have read in JUNO that stands out for you?

One thing that has really stood out for me was an article on natural term breastfeeding. I have breastfed my little girl from birth and she turns 2 in three weeks. I had no plans to breastfeed for this long. In fact, when I learned the World Health Organisation’s recommendation is to breastfeed for two years, my reaction was, ‘No way!’ Yet, here I am, two years in. I was lucky that I had lots of support from family and friends in the early months, which kept me going, but as my daughter’s 1st birthday came and went, the weaning questions started and have become more intense, which has made me question if I am doing the right thing.

The article in JUNO came at the right time. Seeing real photos of older children being breastfed and reading the mothers’ stories just reaffirmed everything for me. That I should continue to lean into my instincts and embrace the beautiful journey. I can’t thank those mothers enough for being so fearless in sharing their stories and to JUNO for giving natural term breastfeeding a platform.

Becky Voisey

How did you come to JUNO?

I attended parent–child groups with all three of my little ones and found them to be supportive, healing and educational. It was there that I found JUNO in the parents’ room and I gleaned more inspiration in those pages. I loved the magazine from the beginning. It spoke to my need for connection across various themes – nature, parenting and crafts, in particular. It must have been right at the start of JUNO’s production.

When my daughter was 2 years old, the school that ran the groups asked if anyone wanted to start some new ones at a different location. A friend – also with a 2-year-old – and I decided to share the role and that was the beginning of my deeper research into child and parent development. I knew how much the groups had meant to me and I wanted to provide a similar experience for other new parents.

When the first Pikler training in the UK was announced, I signed up immediately. I had many wonderful families attending my groups at the time and I shared what I was learning with them after every module. They were more than happy to come along with me as I brought various new ideas to the group model. The atmosphere changed immeasurably. They went from being noisy, chaotic and exhausting (for me), to calm, peaceful and nurturing for us all – especially the children. I learned how to create an environment that supported both the parent and the child with empathy, slowing down and observation. I was completely hooked!

I was invited to speak at a conference about the changes I had made and the reasons for doing so. I turned my presentation into an article for Kindling and it was around this time that I realised I love to write. I began with a blog and eventually had an article accepted for my favourite magazine – JUNO!

My writing confidence grew and a couple of years ago I plucked up the courage to approach Saffia about writing a Q&A column for JUNO. Honestly, I didn’t think she would say yes, so when she did, I was delighted. Rachel Tapping

Way back in summer 2004, I ‘met’ JUNO through a friend who knew Emma Jennings [JUNO’s founding editor, along with Patricia Patterson-Vanegas]. She suggested I write a piece about parenting babies with cleft lips and palates, which appeared the next spring in issue 6. Looking for resonant stories and resources, I also enthusiastically subscribed. I found all sorts of reassurance, inspiration and great shopping ideas in the classifieds! There isn’t another magazine like it and I’ve watched it carve its niche ever more distinctly over the years in an increasingly challenging market with the rise of digital media. Congratulations, JUNO, for reaching 100! Abi Allanson

It was 1926 when the first Waldorf kindergarten was established in Germany. Now, 100 years later, there are over 2,000 Steiner Waldorf registered kindergartens in over 70 countries, and a lot more initiatives besides – parent/carer and child work, day care centres, home childcare providers, forest kindergartens – all working with principles from Rudolf Steiner’s lectures on the developing human being, living within new social forms, contributing to a more humane world.

Rudolf Steiner gave many ‘art of education’ lectures at the Waldorf-Astoria cigarette factory in Stuttgart, where Emil Moult, the director, wanted to start a school for the children of his workers. These lectures led to a new form of education, in a time of social, political and economic unrest. The first Waldorf school opened in 1919.

In 1914, before the school opened, a young woman, Elisabeth Grünelius (1895–1989), began attending lectures by Steiner, and working with the artists who, under Steiner’s direction, were building the Goetheanum in Switzerland, a beautiful centre for initiatives on art, architecture, medicine, biodynamic farming and more, working from the guidance given by Rudolf Steiner in a philosophy that he called ‘anthroposophy’ (the study of the wisdom of the human being). At the time, Grünelius was studying to become a kindergarten teacher at the Pestalozzi-Froebel Seminar in Berlin. Steiner wanted to include the kindergarten years – which he felt were the most important – in the new school and he asked her to write a proposal on how it would work with the youngest children. She wrote:

I felt I had to have experience first. One could not sit at a table and figure it all out. Today it is perhaps difficult to imagine a time when no one had worked consciously with the imitative capacities of the child. We need to remember that class teachers teach, but the kindergarten teacher must show what should be done through her life and being.¹

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In a drawer by my bed, there lies a jumbled assortment of colourful notebooks, all gifted to me by my children. In every one of those notebooks, I’ve written and primitively illustrated (and I do mean primitively!) the blueprint for what will one day become a fully-fledged children’s picture book.

They are many and they are various, which gave me a problem when it came to deciding which story I would most like to see properly illustrated and released as my debut picture book. Often, when you make things, you’re most enthusiastic about your newest creation and, generally, I’m no different. However, one story in particular – actually the oldest of them all – kept shouting to me the loudest: My Friend Alan.

I’ve written funnier, sillier, wilder stories, but never anything quite like My Friend Alan. It dates back to a time when my eldest daughter Poppy was a dinosaur-loving 4-year-old. Her bedroom was then a shrine to the good old days before the meteorite struck and ruined the dinosaurs’ fun. Her favourite cuddly toy was a diplodocus-esque chap who, for inexplicable reasons, she named Alan.

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Rima Staines

@tilsamka

This charcoal and pencil piece is called ‘Tribeless Mother Yearning’. I made it in 2016 when my eldest son was a baby. It speaks to a powerful feeling I had after my babies were born, longing for the grandmothers over my shoulders who were not there. Instead I had a sense of being alone in a fragmented culture, holding the most precious thing in the world in my arms, with the biggest task of my life ahead of me. In this piece she remembers and yearns in the midst of her exhaustion for what would once have been her birthright.

I’m 46. I have been an artist all my life. I grew up in London in a family of artists and now live in Devon with my two sons (11 and 7), halfway between Dartmoor and the sea. My last pregnancy triggered new-onset epilepsy, and so for the last seven years, I have been navigating the profound trauma and strangeness of an intense period of heavy seizures, then the search for the right medicine and management of them, then the challenge of becoming a single mother with two young children.

Artisthood and motherhood share much, in that they are both deeply creative, all-consuming experiences, they both call on all parts of you, change you from the inside out and ask for visceral honesty, strength and self-reflection.

My work straddles myth, magical realism and the folk arts. I have worked predominantly as a painter, but also with music, writing, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, theatre, puppetry, animation and book arts. My paintings, which feel both ancient and familiar at once, have been exhibited and published internationally. I have a long-held fascination with the liminal – that which lies at the edge of culture, society and consciousness, and with the power of art that comes from that place. My work is a kind of ‘Iconography of the Otherworld’.

Fascinated by how talismanic, apotropaic imagery has been used throughout human history to make real magic, I have a strong belief in the power of art to change things – art as true alchemy. Stories, too, play a fundamental role in my work. I believe that both art and story speak truth in a non-linear language. We need them more than we think we do: inside them are old maps back home.

rimastaines.com

Opportunities

The Society of Women Artists 165th Annual Open Exhibition 2026

An open call for entries! The Society of Women Artists is excited to be exhibiting once again at the Mall Galleries, London, from 23 until 27 June. The SWA continues to promote female artists and prides itself on the very diverse nature of the work shown during the Annual Open Exhibition from both non-members and members.

Deadline for entries is midnight on 7 March 2026.
There is an entry fee of £20 per artwork, and you can submit up to six pieces.
For more information about the challenge and how to register, visit
society-women-artists.org.uk.

Herefordshire Art Week 2026

Herefordshire Art Week is a nine-day art trail open to all. Artists, craftspeople and creative businesses open their private studios every day from at least 11am until 5pm. Galleries put on special events, while groups get together to put on one-off exhibitions in a wonderful mix of venues.

Taking place in September, h.Art has become part of Herefordshire’s rich cultural calendar, and the vast majority of events, exhibitions and open studios offer free admission to visitors. An array of artwork will be on show in humble and fabulous locations, from sheds to manor houses. h.Art is really special for art lovers, promising personal encounters with some of the UK’s finest artists and makers in the intimacy of their own homes and studios. Visitors can discover new work, and can buy or commission exactly what they want from the artists.

Deadline for signing up as an artist is 3 March 2026.
h-art.org.uk/take-part

Writing prompt

Nicola Dellard-Lyle shares her next seasonal writing invitation in her ongoing series. On Instagram @threadpressed

Early Spring prompt: we are waking up. What is your first glimpse of spring?

Think of the new year slowly unfurling: light, hope and new plans.

If these thoughts inspire your words, see what happens when you continue to put pen to paper and please share with us on Instagram and Facebook using #junocreativewriting @junomagazine and @threadpressed. We would love to read what emerges from your writing!

The Map of Me by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Olga Shtonda, Templar Books

When a young girl moves to a new country, her mum helps her draw a map to understand her unfamiliar surroundings. But some important things from the past are missing – Granny and Joe-Dog – so the girl makes the map bigger to include them. Soon everything seems to join up, and the distance between the girl’s old life and her new one shrinks. The map in this story continues to grow and it becomes a way of imagining every wonderful thing that is possible: a way of recording, but also a way of dreaming. This lovely story offers the gentle message that we can build a better future for ourselves and the world.

Wrapping Things by Linda Burgess, illustrated by Hilary Jean Tapper, Allen & Unwin

Rosie loves to wrap things. Her crayons, her teddies, her kitten. One day, when her parents leave her behind with Granny, Rosie is the one who needs wrapping to feel safe. We soon find out where her parents have gone, and Rosie is excited to meet her new sister, all wrapped up in a blanket of her own. I love the sense of safety and security in this book. Rosie’s wrapping game is a lovely illustration of the way children can be supported to process their experiences through play.

The Dreamies by Iona Campbell, Magic Cat Publishing

This is a magical story about the Dreamies, tiny playful creatures who live hidden in your home and come out at night to paint children’s dreams in dazzling colours, full of wonder and adventure. We all know dreams can become scary, especially for children, but nightmares are no match for the Dreamies, paintbrushes at the ready, who know just how to turn bad dreams back into happy ones. A gorgeous and comforting book to help children sleep soundly, with energetic and fantastical illustrations.

I’ve come to understand that the things we live with reflect our ideas and values, how we think and how we want to live. And making allows you to create an environment that is truly your own.

Of course this is not a new idea. For generations past, making was a large part of everyday life. If you needed something you would make it, quite often with materials you had on hand. But more recently, it has been far too easy to accept our consumer culture with its endless array of objects and design choices, and to overlook the costs to our environment that are inherent to mass production and consumption. But it doesn’t have to be like this.

Expressing yourself in your own creations allows you to add your own personality, ideas, and aesthetic choices in whatever way you wish. And by working economically and adopting a ‘use what you have’ approach, it’s always amazing what you can do with less.

It’s my preference to look for beauty in simplicity, in natural fabric, and organic textures – in assemblages and patchworks that are visually modern, but with handmade techniques that provide a hint of tradition. I also love to make things that are useful – the things that every home can never have enough of.

I hope you find in these projects ideas to expand your making skills, while thinking creatively about the things we live with, as well as inspiration to make your home your own.

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There is a particular sound a house makes when it is being taken apart and reluctantly put back together. It is not just the drills or the shouted measurements exchanged between tradesmen. It is the low, private thud inside your chest when yet another deadline slips, another beam isn’t right, another promise evaporates into dust.

For months now, we have been living inside this symphony of small collapses: our loft conversion, a dream we had saved for and sketched lovingly, slowly morphing into a catalogue of delays, disputes and emotional weariness. I had known building works were stressful, but I hadn’t anticipated the way it would burrow into the quiet corners of family life.

One evening, after yet another setback, my daughter looked at me with the piercing clarity children possess. “Mumma, is the house broken again?” I opened my mouth to explain, but how do you translate adult frustration into something a child can hold? Instead I said softly, “Yes, darling. Something didn’t go as we hoped.” The gentleness of that answer surprised me. I hadn’t dramatised it or swallowed it whole. I’d simply named it.

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It strikes me that there are parallels between the mycelial network you describe in the book and the way in which you have gathered knowledge about plants. Do you see it that way? One of the things I realised when watching nature is how connections happen and how they support growth and becoming and blooming. Someone said to me, those things that you’re trying to erase from your life, you can’t, but you can learn how to hold them. That was really freeing because it made me realise I could create an incredible blanket that I could wrap around myself like a web to be held in. It was about remembering the beauty and the meaning in the world. It made me want to choose life over and over. People sow seeds and those seeds grow into tendrils that you can reach out for when things are hard.

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All of My Days: Poems to Celebrate the Very First Days of Parenthood to a Lifetime of Love by Murphy’s Sketches, Fox & Ink Books

This gorgeous hardback poetry collection is perfect to place in the hands of new parents. It is brimming with all the emotions of this time: the overwhelming love, the profound happiness, the fierce protectiveness, alongside the anxiety, the exhaustion, the insecurity. There are poems about the hopes and dreams you have for your children, about the joy of spotting things on walks together, about the people you have loved and have lost, about all the wonder in the world. An accessible collection with charming illustrations by the poet, there is joy and comfort to be found in these pages. AE

Listen to Your Baby: Responding to Your Child’s Cues for Optimal Development and Joyful Connection by Naomi Aldort, Health Communications, Inc

I love the freeing ethos of this book. Being a parent has become confusing. The ‘advice’ is endless; there are so many books, websites and social media posts telling us what we should be doing and categorising the way we parent – and with it all comes judgement. In Listen to Your Baby, Naomi Aldort suggests we clear our minds of this external noise. Only then can we hear, understand and trust our baby. In the first chapter, Aldort introduces the work of Byron Katie, presenting four questions we can use to challenge what we assume to be true. In this way, the concern, ‘My baby breastfeeds too often,’ becomes, ‘My baby breastfeeds when she needs to because she is growing and thriving.’

All too frequently, the criticism thrown at this sort of child-led parenting is that it is permissive. Aldort approaches this with common sense, setting out sensible boundaries for the health and wellbeing of both parent and child. So, to the toddler who wants to eat a bee, you can acknowledge their intent, arising from their curiosity with the world, without allowing the action, explaining why it is not desirable to follow that intent. Likewise, the parent who feels like a fuel station from their toddler’s constant breastfeeding can explain that they can only feed when they are ready to cuddle and feed for a long time. That way, the needs of both parent and child are met in a trusting way that helps the child to learn the importance of respecting others.

Aldort’s suggestions are gentle and affirming. When approaching the advice of others, she suggests we thank them, appreciating the “love and good intention of each person”. However, we do not need to follow their advice. That is the core of this book: to listen first to your unique child within the context of your unique circumstances and teach yourself to question what feels stressful. Aldort encourages readers to “do your own research and make your own choices”.

The full range of parenting issues is covered: co-sleeping, healthy eating (Aldort acknowledges what she writes might trigger some readers, and encourages them to skip that section), development, family dynamics. Aldort helps parents to find the way that works for them and their child; it is a “two-person dance,” she reminds us.

Not every reader will agree with all Aldort writes, but I appreciate her core approach of research and choice, rather than feeling as if we have to follow particular advice as ‘fact’. In the chapter about food, Aldort writes “considering the strong opinions and convictions out there, I hope you can have the humility to consider less popular options without taking these suggestions personally, knowing you are free to disagree and that exploring other options doesn’t threaten your choices.” This seems to me to be a gentle approach in an increasingly polarising world. Clearing our minds of opinion, so that we can truly listen to and understand our own children, feels like a good start. SF

Vegan Recipes from India: Recipes from a Gujarati Family by Natasha and Yasmine Tourabi, photographs by Manon Gouhier, Grub Street

We are regularly encouraged to eat more vegetables, grains and legumes, and I can’t think of a better way to consume them than in rich and flavoursome Indian dishes. This book is a mother–daughter collaboration and includes recipes from the Gujarati region that have been passed down the family through generations. Natasha became vegan ten years ago, and over this time, she has learned to adapt her cooking, while staying true to the flavours and textures of the food she loves.

There is an amazing range of recipes in this book, from vegetable dishes and dals, to rice, flatbreads, condiments, mithai (sweets) and drinks. There are interesting tips and techniques throughout, which help you understand the roles and uses of various ingredients.

The book is beautifully presented with stunning photography that makes every dish very tempting! The instructions are clearly laid out and I was surprised how simple they are to follow given the richness and depth of flavour achieved.

I don’t always cook vegan food and I loved how the book introduced me to new ingredients and different combinations. My family’s particular favourite was the Tandoori Tofu, which we’ve now made a few times. It is absolutely delicious! SF

The Wild Within: What Plants Taught Me About Life, Recovery & Renewal by Brigit Anna McNeill, September Publishing

In this beautiful book eco-therapist and herbalist Brigit Anna McNeill charts her personal journey with plants and how they enabled her healing and recovery from trauma and stress in early life.

McNeill describes the way she concreted over herself as a survival response, cutting herself off physically and emotionally. She recalls her “false wild”, in which her hedonism led her to mistakenly believe herself to be free, only to later understand this as a kind of numbing, performative self-sabotage. Her reflections on gradually becoming herself, the mistakes she made and the times she felt she wasn’t living her truth, are poignant and spark thoughts about one’s own self-discovery as a young person amid the various pressures and stresses of life.

The book is structured around the seasons and focuses on plant species prominent at different points in the year. These plants are starting points for McNeill as she remembers her encounters with these plants and what they taught her. I loved her learning from buttercups. Bees know the buttercup as their place of sanctuary, where they can rest and restore before going on their way. McNeill describes the way this helped her to see that life is not all about producing and growing, but that rest and recovery are essential too. It was through observing bees that she learned to seek out her own buttercups and to find what nourished her in a healthy way.

Nature teaches McNeill how to live. Nature is true to itself. It is resilient. It is generous. It gravitates to the light. It is tender but insistent on its journey. One lesson she learned, from Hawthorn, is that to protect your heart isn’t selfishness but love. “Hawthorn reminds us that life without boundaries isn’t wholeness; it’s depletion. The living hedge teaches me that boundaries are not only protective; they are generative. Without the shape they give us, compassion bleeds into overextension, and connection into entanglement.” She goes on, “I am learning to plant a living hedge around my wild heart, not to keep the world out, but to keep safe the ground where my truest self is still taking root.”

More than any other book I’ve read, The Wild Within opened my eyes to the ways in which we are nature, something I have long understood as a concept, but which this book helped me to feel to be true. Beautifully written, lyrical and rich in sensory detail, it’s a tonic in itself, and an invitation to turn to nature for deeper healing, restoration and recovery. AE

You can find out more about Brigit Anna McNeill in our My Life My Way interview.

Green Gathering

Green Gathering is one of those wonderful places set in green, spacious fields where the whole family is welcomed and held. From the moment you arrive, it feels open, airy, and inviting. It’s the kind of place where children and parents drift between colourful crafts, circus skills, live music, and hands-on workshops, with something to capture everyone’s imagination.

There’s so much for young children and teens – making, building, singing, learning new skills, and watching brilliant, unexpected performances – while grown-ups can dip into talks, discussions, and vibrant music.

What really stands out is the sense of community and care. Thoughtfully inclusive, with quiet spaces, clear information, and a calm, respectful atmosphere, it works for neurodivergent people and first-time festival-goers alike. Evenings bring storytelling, wild dancing under the stars, or time by the fire. Green Gathering isn’t just a festival – it’s a temporary village that leaves the whole family nourished and inspired. SS

30 July until 2 August
Piercefield Park, Monmouthshire
greengathering.org.uk

Elderflower Fields

As a mum of three (ages 2, 7 and 11), I’ll admit I was a little apprehensive about taking my children to a festival for the first time. I had visions of losing them, sleepless nights and struggling with camping gear. But from the moment we arrived, all those worries melted away. Elderflower Fields completely exceeded our expectations and turned out to be one of the most magical weekends we’ve had as a family.

The whole setup was clearly designed with families in mind. There were so many activities to keep the children entertained from morning till night – from arts and crafts sessions to fun sports workshops, creative play areas, and quiet nooks for little ones needing a rest. My older two threw themselves into exciting new experiences, while our toddler was happy exploring all the sights and sounds.

One of my favourite things was the atmosphere. It felt like a true community, with friendly faces and a positive, relaxed vibe. The music was fantastic, with a mix that appealed to all ages. And when the main stages switched to the silent disco in the evening, the site transformed into a safe and peaceful haven. The quiet nights meant we could all actually get some sleep, ready for another fun-filled day.

A big bonus at Elderflower Fields was being able to upgrade our camping ticket so we could park right next to our tent. No wheelbarrows or endless trips across a field – just easy, stress-free setup right next to our friends.

There were so many magical moments throughout the weekend – dancing together, trying new activities, and simply taking in the natural beauty of the site. We came home tired but glowing, full of stories and laughter, and already talking about next year. BC

22 until 25 May
Ashdown Forest, Sussex
elderflowerfields.co.uk

World Yoga Festival

World Yoga Festival is a real highlight of the summer for my family. The family area is a safe, welcoming space that reflects the tranquil, yet playful feel, of the overall festival. While the event’s ethos is to focus on the authentic eight limbs of yoga, with yoga practice, Vedanta talks, meditation, traditional Indian dance and world music, there are also lively and fun classes developed especially for toddlers, children and teens, with dedicated tents for each. It’s a secure environment with art, crafts, storytelling and entertainment for the whole family, alongside the adult classes, plus great food and luxury toilets as standard. You can upgrade from camping to glamping and really make a weekend of it.

The teachers and workshop leaders created an inclusive and friendly environment where our daughter could flourish, and the balance between exciting, engaging activities and free play was perfect. The family area became a lovely place to spend time, and by the end of the festival our daughter had made many new friends, and so had we. MD

30 June until 2 July
Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
yogafestival.world

I am Debbie and I’ve been a grandparent for two and a half years. I was in education for 34 years and retired two years ago to help look after my grandson Zachary. I now also have a granddaughter, Sienna, and another grandchild due in April.

Having grandchildren has made me reflect on my life, especially my working life. As a child, I didn’t really love school but I loved learning, and later I absolutely loved helping children to learn. I tried to do this in a fun and enjoyable way. As a headteacher, I tried to create a school in which we were one big family. I often said, “We all have to be here, so let’s try to have the best time!”

As a grandparent, I have applied this tenfold, and have focused on fun and passing on my joy for learning in a loving, caring, supportive environment, following their interests and, of course, encouraging them to follow mine!

My own children used to say jokingly (well, I hope!) that school came first for me, so being able not to work and give their children 100% of my attention is a sort of payback – a payback I’m happy to give and absolutely adore. Having these new lives in my world has given me a new lease of life. Who wouldn’t love muddy walks, getting soaked with the hose, drawing around hands and feet, and making ghosts from paper tissues!

As well as this, I’m supporting my two children as they progress through their lives, which feels good. My mam looked after my children for me, and I now have the chance to do the same for my son and daughter. It’s like life has come full circle. It has deepened my love and admiration for my mam as it isn’t easy looking after young children – she had four under 4 at one point – but she never moaned or groaned and gave my children a warm and loving start in life, just as I hope I am doing for her great-grandchildren.

I won’t be here for all their lives, but I’m playing my part in giving them the best possible start, and at the same time, they are enriching my life in all sorts of ways. I can’t help thinking and saying every day, ‘How lucky am I?’

Photo by RDNE Stock Project

As I sit and write this column, I am in the third trimester of my third pregnancy. By the time you read this, I will have given birth to my baby and, hopefully, will have experienced my third empowered birth experience. I thought today I would write about the things I have been doing to prepare myself for this experience as a mother of two, doula and hypnobirthing teacher. None of this is the ‘best way’ to prepare for a birth – that is truly individual – but this is what has felt best for me this time around and it might just give you some ideas or inspiration to take into your own birth preparations.

A caveat: as a birth worker, I understand the ins and outs of how birth works. In my opinion, this is truly important when preparing for birth because it enables us to learn to trust our bodies and our babies in a society that tells us birth is scary and risky.

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I can hear my little girl singing in the other room. It’s like a tonic to my ears. As the sunlight of spring streams in through the window, illuminating a warm strip of the living room floor for the dog to lie on, I feel a welcome sense of peace in the moment. One that is much needed in a world of ups and downs, which makes my tummy leap into my mouth with alarming regularity – like being an unwitting rider on an infinite rollercoaster.

She likes to sing, and I like to listen. It takes me away from the trials and tribulations of the day-to-day, to a state of being where I can be happy, at least for now. A fleeting utopia, where I can glimpse the life I have dreamed of, but never thought I would truly find.

And although I’m not at all religious, I’m reminded of a passage from the Gospel of Thomas: “The Kingdom of Heaven is spread out across the Earth, and people do not see it.”

It’s hard to see heaven when the opposite is made so visible. When the algorithm follows us around like a ferocious beast, growling things it knows will anger, disgust or sadden us.

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Over the past few weeks, we’ve begun a new topic that I know we will be doing for quite some time. What was meant to be a study of Indigenous art from around the world instead turned into a deeper exploration of Indigenous cultures. We started by talking about what it means to be Indigenous and watched a short video on YouTube, ‘The word indigenous – explained’ by CBC Kids News (all the videos I mention in this column are from YouTube), which gave the children a clear introduction. It was a perfect starting point and set the tone for our learning.

We began by exploring the art of First Nations Australians, whose visual traditions are incredibly diverse and include cave paintings, bark paintings, x-ray paintings, ground paintings, and dot painting. Each form carries its own stories and symbols. We watched ‘What is First Nations Art? – BTN High’ by Behind the News and ‘Aboriginal Art and Culture in the Territory’ by Tourism and Events NT, which helped the children appreciate the variety and richness of First Nations art.

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For Reba

The string

cotton twisted

not rope

Beige spooled

living in a

kitchen drawer

The string of rope

in my womb

thick and strong

once held a

true knot

Heart strings

invisible

unspooling to

any distance

A rush of love

a stab of pain

a throb of longing.

Stacey Naugle has always loved words – words, books, libraries and reading. She is Meemaw to Gretel and Clara, and reads children’s books from her own collection aloud on her YouTube channel, Meemaw Reads Aloud. Her days are currently occupied caring for her youngest adult daughter with disabilities, alongside much reading and writing.