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Secondary education

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Original poster

GCSEs 2018 (3)

999 replies

mmzz · 28/01/2018 08:40

Following on from:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/secondary/3113917-GCSEs-2018-2

OP posts:
Thread gallery
17
Stickerrocks · 14/02/2018 17:22

Personally I'm only willing to do this once (like child birth!)

Original poster
mmzz · 14/02/2018 17:37

I’m thinking that it will be easy second time around for GCSES, unless DS2 decides to continue his current policy of minimal effort at all times.

2 years from now, I think we’ll be talking about how to get something from a uni open day, which courses are worthwhile and how to get our DC to focus on their A levels rather than the puppy love that won’t last until Summer, but could scupper their A levels!

OP posts:
TheSecondOfHerName · 14/02/2018 17:43

My predictions for February 2020 topics: Offer holder days, student finance, driving tests, A-level coursework deadlines, whether to continue with part-time jobs through exam season.

BlueBelle123 · 14/02/2018 17:53

My prediction for February 2020, will be planning very exotic first holiday without DC in 21 years!!! for as soon as DS sets of for Uni (no pressure DS)Grin

sandybayley · 14/02/2018 18:07

I'll be here for GCSEs 2020 and 2021- it's going to be a long slog until A Levels 2023 Confused

Original poster
mmzz · 14/02/2018 18:38

And EPQs (subtitle: wish our DC had never started theirs)

October 2022 is my end date. I think I’ll be relieved for 20 seconds and then in mourning for the 20 years spent being a mum. When DS1 was born, I remember feeling daunted by the size of the commitment, but it’s nearly over and it has passed in a heartbeat.

OP posts:
Sostenueto · 14/02/2018 19:02

Its never over mmzz. I'm in my late 60s and still running round for my dc, worrying about them, getting stressed about them, then there's the dgc...........it never ends!

Sostenueto · 14/02/2018 19:09

At present waiting for dd to come out if work with sleepy pup who wants to go home to bed.

GCSEs 2018 (3)
YellowPrimula · 14/02/2018 19:12

Second the fact that it’s never over . Just spent 30 mins coaching/ listening to dc1(24). This morning worrying over dc3 and GCSEs. It’s true what they say about only ever being as happy as your unhappiest child.

KingscoteStaff · 14/02/2018 19:33

Another one who will have GCSEs AND A levels in Summer 2020.

DD has just confirmed her choices which are (with one exception) exactly the same as DS is currently doing.

I might actually understand simultaneous equations by then...

TheSecondOfHerName · 14/02/2018 19:52

I'm having a little wobble this evening about DS2. Most of his friends will be having parties for their 16th birthdays, or at least small get-together with a few friends.

DS2 wants to go to the aquarium with DH & me (as he did last year and the year before) and then buy some marine wildlife -themed items in the gift shop.

Most of the time I don't get upset about his additional needs and how they affect him. It's harder when I see his peers reaching social milestones (like a 16th birthday party).

Sostenueto · 14/02/2018 20:10

We couldn't afford a lot for dgds 16th and she had a small friendship group. So we just went for posh meal which the girls enjoyed dressing up for and ordering different foods. It didn't cost that much and enjoyed by all.

Sostenueto · 14/02/2018 20:26

They were waited on by a handsome young man which sent them into little huddles of whispers and giggling and red faces when he smiled at them! My DVD plucked up courage to present him with a piece of her cake accompanied by all the girls for moral support!

Sostenueto · 14/02/2018 20:33

And the waiters all came over to sing happy birthday too! The girls were treated like princesses and we were very impressed with the attention they received. So you see, you don't need loads of friends and a huge party to have a memorable birthday. If they are doing something they enjoy with people that love and like them then all is well! So don't fret secondofhername your dc enjoys being with you and that is what he ( and you) will remember in years to come.

Stickerrocks · 14/02/2018 20:38

Yesterday should have been DD's 16th birthday crash out session with her mates. There's been a friendship trauma hovering in the background for the past few weeks which seems to have blown up yesterday & today. I found her eating birthday cake on the sofa alone when I got home having had a small moral victory of saving the most chocolatey bit for herself. 16th birthdays are over rated in my opinion now.

Looking forward to a couple of nights in a post hotel, then back to deal with my students' exam traumas as they start another revision course on Sunday for exams in March.

Stickerrocks · 14/02/2018 20:39

Posh, not post.

Sostenueto · 14/02/2018 20:45

Agree stickerocks. It used to be 18th birthday the big one. I just think you have to go with your dc. Not everyone is a social butterfly. I know my dgd certainly us not, bring naturally quiet and lives just being with us. It us a struggle sometimes to get her to socialise and she's only comfortable with a small friendship group. She doesn't like large friendship groups because of the bitchiness.
So sorry stickerocks for your dc but happy birthday to her!CakeWine

TheSecondOfHerName · 14/02/2018 20:48

Stickerrocks bless her, hope the difficulties blow over soon.

BlueBelle123 · 14/02/2018 22:31

thesecond your DS will get there, it just might take him a little bit longer than others Flowers

stickerrocks having one of each there has always been far more dramas surrounding DD than there ever has with DS, glad she enjoyed her cake!

TheSecondOfHerName · 15/02/2018 00:13

BlueBelle123 I think you're probably right. His 21st birthday may well turn out to be 'lit' (or whatever the young people these days are calling a good night out). Smile

LooseAtTheSeams · 15/02/2018 08:32

Second if it’s any consolation, DS1 did nothing at all for his 16th birthday - I can’t remember if he was feeling ill or just too tired, although I do remember him getting up reasonably early for his presents! DS2 is just as unsocial for his 13th. They seem happy enough, so I leave the offer to do something there but don’t push them.

Stickerrocks · 15/02/2018 09:50

I've dug out my 21st birthday present from Mum & Dad to take with me later. They offered to buy me an Omega watch at the time, but I was too determined to do my own thing & said no. It would be worth a fortune now!

Teenmum60 · 15/02/2018 10:10

LooseAtTheSeams I can understand your wobble - every child is different and it sounds like DS2 is happy to have a day with his parents at a place he enjoys - credit to him...too much peer pressure these days.
stickerrocks Glad your dd got the moral victory on the cake its such a shame when friendship issues blow up on a birthday celebration.

DD has a queen bee in her friendship group - she has some lovely qualities but she generally manages to lower the other girls self esteem - fortunately she is not staying on at the school.

Good news is that we purchased a Prom dress yesterday ...in first store, dd saw dress she liked and it was tried on and purchased within 20 minutes ! I'll try and post picture - its Dynasty dress which should have cost £320 but we paid £77 - I think its last years season but DD loves it. Its not what I thought she would have chosen but it is beautiful and it was a bargain!

Sostenueto · 15/02/2018 11:45

Dress a bargain teenmum and sure it will look fabulous!

AlexanderHamilton · 15/02/2018 13:18

Feb 2020 I’ll have Ds about to do his GCSE’s (oh my now that will be traumatic) alongside Dd trying to study for 2 A levels alsongside over 25 hours of dance training per week. She might even be living on her own by then!!!!