From the editor…
Different Oars
When our Spring issue went to press, the UK was just heading into lockdown. Schools and nurseries were being closed and, the following week, the prime minister asked us to only leave our homes if we really needed to. So, the JUNO team disbanded, creating work spaces in our homes, and set to creating a Summer issue that would be published in an unknown future.
As we go to press, the UK and the world is opening up a little; we are all able to take a few steps further from our homes, and we emerge into a new world, trying to make sense of what we have been through – fear, anxiety, grief, loneliness, confusion, peace, joy, and even rest perhaps.
The aim of this issue is to offer support and joy. Nikole Verde’s column is about unschooling, for those of you struggling with the rigours of a fixed home-education. Eleanor Copp writes about the positive aspects of birth in lockdown, and the Seed Sistas help us with a tea to boost our immune systems. Alice Griffin reflects on what being still has meant for her; and Jemma Nicholls writes about crafting for wellbeing in pregnancy – the benefit of busy hands relatable for all of us at present, I think, if we have the luxury of time.
One thing I have learnt in all of this is to try really hard to listen to and acknowledge others’ situations. Some people are able to enjoy this pause and reflect on former busy lives, creating positive change. Some children are benefiting from not attending school, finding that they learn more away from the anxiety school can produce. Some families are enjoying time for more connection with each other. Other families are struggling in small spaces or with two parents still with huge work pressures but now with children around them too. Some people are scared of being ill. Some are scared for loved ones. Some are grieving. Some are exhausted from working in stressful conditions. Some are bored. Some are worried about managing on less pay or if their job or business will still be there at the end of all this. Some are upset for children who have lost the opportunity to prove themselves in exams or say goodbye to friends and school in a Year 6, Year 11 or Year 13 rite of passage.
A friend said to me, “We are all in the same boat, we just have different oars,” and I think this is so important to remember. With this in mind, we have created an issue that we hope will support, lift, inspire, comfort, amuse and entertain you, wherever and whoever you are. Our returned Instagram feature is a celebration of this. You shared with us your #junosummer images and with those images, we honour and celebrate each and every family, with all the changes, challenges and joys 2020 has brought.
This is a period of history that will not be forgotten; I hope that your family is mentally and physically safe and well.
JUNO Summer Featured Contributors
Jo Berry created the beautiful images for our Being Still feature. She loves drawing people and their relationships, and spending time at her allotment, helping things to grow and making friends with nature.
Madison LaRose, an illustrator from Rhode Island, USA, contributed the wonderful ‘look of love’ for our Pikler approach feature. She enjoys creating whimsical, fun and imaginative scenes with an emphasis on storytelling.
Lisa Rogers took our gorgeous cover image. She creates portraits that are about connection, emotion, magic and seeing the best in people. As a mother, a woman and a wife, she is passionate about taking photos that capture the crazy, unique love we all feel for our families.
Win one of two JUNO 2019 back issue gift packs