As the summer holidays drew to a close, television personality Stacey Solomon found herself in the grip of overwhelming emotion, openly sharing her heartfelt struggle with sending her children back to school.
The Loose Women panellist and mum-of-five took to Instagram to document the bittersweet morning, posting a series of vulnerable stories that resonated with parents across the UK. "Cried all morning," Solomon confessed to her millions of followers. "I can't help it. I just love having them around."
A Mother's Mixed Emotions
Solomon, who shares her home—affectionately dubbed 'Pickle Cottage'—with husband Joe Swash and their blended family, didn't hold back in expressing her complex feelings. She described the peculiar sense of "emptiness and quiet" that descended upon her home once the school run was complete.
Despite the sadness, the savvy mum acknowledged the silver lining: "I know they're going to have the best day and I cannot wait to pick them up and hear all about it." This balancing act between personal sadness and joy for her children's experiences is a sentiment familiar to countless parents every September.
Guilt, Gratitude, and Getting Real
In a move that cemented her status as a relatable 'real mum' figure, Solomon also touched on the guilt that often accompanies relief. "And I also can't lie... The thought of a tidy house for more than five minutes is quite appealing," she admitted with refreshing honesty.
Her posts quickly sparked a wave of solidarity from her followers, with many echoing her feelings and thanking her for normalising the emotional rollercoaster that is parenting.
Beyond the School Gates
This isn't the first time Solomon has kept it real about the challenges of motherhood. From messy home moments to heartfelt parenting advice, she has built a brand on authenticity, making her one of the UK's most beloved and relatable celebrity mums.
Her emotional back-to-school admission serves as another reminder that behind the glossy Instagram photos, the school run feels the same for everyone—whether you're a national TV star or not.
