tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2663984644645838645.post8601208572259371209..comments2024-03-11T12:27:45.840+00:00Comments on BLUESTOCKING MUM: 2009 - The summer that maketh a man of Idle Jack.Bluestocking Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01502764742097142372noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2663984644645838645.post-13215054323804213472009-09-18T20:20:20.287+01:002009-09-18T20:20:20.287+01:00So many of us can recognise so many different part...So many of us can recognise so many different parts of this blog, just goes to show how universal the issues are. <br />Youngest had dire GCSE and AS results. He has gone back for U6 for no other reason than to play first team rugby, hockey and cricket. He's never been an academic, never will be, but at least he does feel valued for his sport.<br /><br />Idle Jack is a lovely chap, he has you to support him, he will find his path. A very wise friend once said to me 'Children are like water, they all find their own level' He will, just hang in there.xFredhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16269828653196889218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2663984644645838645.post-67199647215280538422009-09-18T13:50:20.147+01:002009-09-18T13:50:20.147+01:00Hi Angel B, there's a tag for you over at my p...Hi Angel B, there's a tag for you over at my place xDD's Diaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05398659302311180518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2663984644645838645.post-69053730520069434992009-09-18T10:49:04.692+01:002009-09-18T10:49:04.692+01:00Its a good age to learn you can change a negative ...Its a good age to learn you can change a negative thing into something good and that sometimes even the best plans may fall apart. There is no failure, its just having the courage to be able to act when confronted with change.her at homehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01553181592011484686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2663984644645838645.post-65513466632637822922009-09-18T10:41:39.273+01:002009-09-18T10:41:39.273+01:00No it's NOT the end of the world - you are so ...No it's NOT the end of the world - you are so right. He will learn from this and now it's time to move forward; build on this.<br /><br />After several years working in HR/recruitment, (and hating my school years,leaving as soon as I could and doing on the job training plus night school), I can honestly say he will find what's right for him and get there his way.<br /><br />We used to have over 3000 applicants for just 9 trainee solicitor places - all with fairly identical academic qualifications. It's awful to admit that the shortlisting process had to start somewhere and that somewhere was "which uni did they go to: Oxford or Cambridge?" There were so many, that we had the pick of the so-called best.<br /><br />I hated the fact that someone from Birmingham Uni, who may have been better than the Oxford grad, but had to stay in the Midlands for personal reasons, was passed over for attending another university. But that was life for this firm of solicitors. <br /><br />Fortunately, my next employer had the insight to recruit the person, and not just the university. Their other interests were taken into account and then, when they made interview, their personality could shine through.<br /><br />As long as he gets a good all round education, he will be fine. Both you and I worked in the travel industry, you went in to banking, and I went in to the legal industry. Many of us change our career paths along the way - he is still so young to really know what he wants to do.<br /><br />Gosh, this wasn't meant to be an essay! I just wanted to say that there are so many kids out there with degrees who are "just" working in shops now, that employers are going to have to recognise that not everyone NEEDS a degree, unless they want to be a doctor/solcitor/dentist/vet etc., like the good old days. I am a strong advocate of on-the-job skills and qualifications and once "Jack" has found his path, he will know what he has to do.xxWoozle1967https://www.blogger.com/profile/10438625886508520803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2663984644645838645.post-70644349595375343172009-09-14T13:19:59.322+01:002009-09-14T13:19:59.322+01:00Our daughter's 12, can't wait...Our daughter's 12, can't wait...The Prodigal Touristhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08334946081603232068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2663984644645838645.post-91377855409574707602009-09-13T20:48:41.743+01:002009-09-13T20:48:41.743+01:00Hi - just wanted to pop over and thank you for com...Hi - just wanted to pop over and thank you for commenting so very fully and thoughtfully on my post at www.gotyourhandsfull.com.<br />I agree with you about there being so much pressure on teenagers, sounds to me like IJ will be okay though. I am dreading the teenage years to the point I wonder whether I may be overdoing it a bit!Worrieddaughterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11761681695183023587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2663984644645838645.post-49524734210762145892009-09-13T17:26:57.421+01:002009-09-13T17:26:57.421+01:00Thanks for dropping by my blog and for you comment...Thanks for dropping by my blog and for you comments. I really understand your posts too, I haven't quite been there yet as my teen does the bulk of her GCSE's next year but have neices and nephews going through this and I think you are so right...they are learning and they have to learn to go on when things have messed up...it can work out and it's a life long skill. Not one perhaps you'd have wished on him right now but there is only one way to go - and that's up..attitude is everything. Good luck to Idle Jack. See you again.Reasonshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03070633072307321162noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2663984644645838645.post-60885823928956203072009-09-12T16:13:25.783+01:002009-09-12T16:13:25.783+01:00Oh-how I can relate to you!! I have a son the same...Oh-how I can relate to you!! I have a son the same age, who also just started working at McDonald's and who also faces such similar pressures. I sympathize with this age group and the parents more than I can put into words or say that hasn't been said here already in the comments. Poor Jack and you. But ya know? He is a lucky fellow,you are a terrific supportive/understanding Mum which will make a HUGE difference. Thank you for posting this. Really helped me this first week of school here and reading the comments too. Thanks xo :)Kimberlyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18367327961235142473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2663984644645838645.post-90332198563578487172009-09-12T11:45:34.602+01:002009-09-12T11:45:34.602+01:00It is hard being a teenager - even harder being th...It is hard being a teenager - even harder being the mum of a teenager... Your boy will be fine. He sounds like a decent lad and he has two loving and caring parents in his corner.<br /><br />Hugs.Suzanne Ross Joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08561888635304578484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2663984644645838645.post-82314748722079346342009-09-11T23:56:01.029+01:002009-09-11T23:56:01.029+01:00Hi,
I really enjoyed reading this although partia...Hi,<br /><br />I really enjoyed reading this although partially I have to admit I feel like i relate slightly to Jack. I remember when I got my GCSE results it was terrifying and it is damn hard work. I was supposed to be studying at the time when I was sudden;y comsumed with thoughts of boys - felt like enough of a grown up to want to ne responsible for my own revision plan and ultimately sucess and failure. Plus school was so focussed on fitting in and what others thought of you exams and studying seemed a lot less important that they should have. I hope it all works out for Jack.<br /><br />Kate xxKatehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05940810066436848209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2663984644645838645.post-20511202018645146292009-09-11T15:00:58.372+01:002009-09-11T15:00:58.372+01:00He's got so much time - to do retakes, or to e...He's got so much time - to do retakes, or to end up running his own McDonald's! Good luck to you both and love your blog. I like your word counter for novel 2 - I am on 44ish,000 so you're beating me!DD's Diaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05398659302311180518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2663984644645838645.post-77241385683611606192009-09-11T11:17:51.485+01:002009-09-11T11:17:51.485+01:00Poor Jack, my heart goes out to him, and to you to...Poor Jack, my heart goes out to him, and to you too. Being a teenager is difficult, living with one is rarely easy.<br /><br />So many highly successful people did dreadfully in their GCSE's, so I'm sure Jack will be fine.Deborah Carr (Debs)https://www.blogger.com/profile/03223653554549707595noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2663984644645838645.post-32444317190718413122009-09-10T08:48:52.820+01:002009-09-10T08:48:52.820+01:00What a great post, Angel. As a mother of three so...What a great post, Angel. As a mother of three sons - I empathised all the way through reading it!Amandahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06919354420843737481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2663984644645838645.post-15892769195640960352009-09-10T04:12:07.262+01:002009-09-10T04:12:07.262+01:00Hi Angel. What a brilliant post and what a fantas...Hi Angel. What a brilliant post and what a fantastic mum you are to be so supportive of your lovely son for just being himself.<br /><br />I hate the pressure society puts on our normal, average but oh-so-lovable children. They can't all be child prodigies and gifted. They can't all go to university (contrary to what some parents would have you believe). My three chldren have all grown up now. None of them were brilliant academically. Only one made it to uni, and just managed to cling on by her fingertips for three years and get a degree (she is now a teacher). But the thing I am proud of most is that ALL of my children have been successful in their own fields and my middle son, who ended up as an electrician, now has his own business, has bought his own house and is actually quite well off - and he's only 27. My youngest son (who is 21) left school at 16 with fair-to-middling GCSE results, went to college to study Electrical Engineering and has just got his HNC this year after a four year apprenticeship with day release facilities. He now has a well-paid job with Anglian Water as an Electrical Engineer maintaining water pumping stations at several reservoirs. He absolutely loves it.<br /><br />Tell your son that both my sons' GCSE results were not great! I can remember results day well, and as I recall, with both of them I sat at my desk at work and just held my head in my hands, shaking it from side to side in despair.<br /><br />Jack's life is only just beginning. Bad GCSE results are not the end of the world. There will be plenty more opportunities for him and I have a sneaking suspicion he will probably end up being more successful than some of today's kids who are pushed by parents down the road of A levels, university and then a stonking, huge student debt round their necks and no job anyway at the end of it all.<br /><br />I really do wish your Jack all the very best of luck for the future.Annieyehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13466245069641820781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2663984644645838645.post-8550040850313681312009-09-10T03:57:49.400+01:002009-09-10T03:57:49.400+01:00I just found you through your comment at the Novel...I just found you through your comment at the Novel Racers...<br /><br />I cannot tell you how serendipitous this post is for me. My very own 'Idle Jack' is 15 and taking GCSEs in May 2010... getting him to talk about school, work and what he wants for his future is really hard. Helping him to find motivation when he'd rather play Guitar Hero is tough, but you are right... it's never too late. Lessons are learned through all experiences, good and bad. Thanks for the post. I'll come back again...Jenny Beattiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00640209636605410939noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2663984644645838645.post-17581183124357679252009-09-10T00:23:33.847+01:002009-09-10T00:23:33.847+01:00You're right, it's not the end of the worl...You're right, it's not the end of the world, and he's lucky to have you behind him.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02591413042967320059noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2663984644645838645.post-80113064523123228562009-09-09T21:43:23.449+01:002009-09-09T21:43:23.449+01:00Hey! Great blog :o) And thanks for the follow!Hey! Great blog :o) And thanks for the follow!Mrs Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04744432053755759201noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2663984644645838645.post-24987751249457776892009-09-09T16:11:45.333+01:002009-09-09T16:11:45.333+01:00Oh dear, now it's 'sucks' - what's...Oh dear, now it's 'sucks' - what's going on here?!Chris Stovellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03741359642268813093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2663984644645838645.post-69915640289704240612009-09-09T16:11:19.336+01:002009-09-09T16:11:19.336+01:00Hmm, reminds me of a row I had on AL results day w...Hmm, reminds me of a row I had on AL results day with one of mine. I don't know about home thoughts but some home truths were exchanged. Fortunately both are doing splendidly so no lasting harm done so I'm sure Jack will be fine (of course he will, you're both supporting him).(Oo-er the word thing is buggra!)Chris Stovellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03741359642268813093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2663984644645838645.post-32749372134858187472009-09-08T20:10:32.513+01:002009-09-08T20:10:32.513+01:00Oh dear poor Jack, but plenty of time for all thin...Oh dear poor Jack, but plenty of time for all things. It makes me sad to hear of such young kids - only 16 years on this planet for goodness sake, thinking they are failures - well who says?! My youngest is 21 and has only really now 'grown up'. I wish you and Jack all the best and hope your hubby calms down!Faith https://www.blogger.com/profile/04672728248961388984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2663984644645838645.post-74339210839294071042009-09-08T20:09:02.485+01:002009-09-08T20:09:02.485+01:00Oh teenage boys. Trust me Angel I know EXACTLY wha...Oh teenage boys. Trust me Angel I know EXACTLY what you are going through and it's not easy.<br />Big hug to you and Idle jack who is probably feeling like the dogs doodahs right now but isn't allowed to show it. It's a bloke thing.Colette McCormickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00383068332228040704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2663984644645838645.post-52208335376104080992009-09-08T19:12:09.837+01:002009-09-08T19:12:09.837+01:00Loved your blog, Angel. Poor Jack, life is hard bu...Loved your blog, Angel. Poor Jack, life is hard but it's not the end of the world. He can have another go. Glad he's Loving Mcdonalds though.<br />Life is full of set backs, but hopefully make a stronger person. Good Luck Jack!Inthemudhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12551873512058789152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2663984644645838645.post-13450662297016072152009-09-08T19:11:14.880+01:002009-09-08T19:11:14.880+01:00Everything happens for a reason and even if it is ...Everything happens for a reason and even if it is not clear now it will become so - he will love Ludlow 6th Form - have you seen them all wandering around town - all as happy as Larry. He will be fine Angel and there's a lot worse !things than Business Studies! He's OK - give him a hug from mesnailbeachshepherdesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01397158758052413758noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2663984644645838645.post-78888230853557226902009-09-08T18:39:38.147+01:002009-09-08T18:39:38.147+01:00With a 17 year old boy at home- this is so familia...With a 17 year old boy at home- this is so familiar. Mine does well at school, for which I am very grateful- but has been shy about getting even a summer job. There is so much to be learned from a job that isn't taught in school.<br /><br />But, as others have said, they do find their way and they have to do it for themselves. Keep encouraging him along the way.blackbirdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07044667449525289901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2663984644645838645.post-4625530009008884662009-09-08T18:30:42.718+01:002009-09-08T18:30:42.718+01:00You star Angel. Well done for being so supportive ...You star Angel. Well done for being so supportive despite the worry and bless Jack, poor soul. I so feel for them at this time and have been there with my own sons in the past. Good luck to him xPipanyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04048984447721169350noreply@blogger.com