This is ‘Season of Motherhood’, part of the Artefact Motherhood project, where we tell a story with one picture that depicts our current season of motherhood. Visit the next photographer and artist in our blog circle, Jo Haycock.

You had a new phone for your birthday. You had been begging for one since seeing many of your friends getting one, and waited patiently to see if you would get one too. Firstly, at Christmas - no. Then, on your birthday - yes.

The excitement on your face when you found out was as joyful as when you opened the present to reveal the game station you had wanted from another birthday a couple of years ago. For you, having your own phone meant you could finally connect with your friends outside of school, which you have been doing all summer.

Occasionally, I would find you hiding away in your room texting with your school friends, which brings to mind similar memories of myself doing the same in my parents’ room, talking with friends, and waiting to be told at any minute to get off the phone. Only it was on the landline back then, not like the mobile phone and social apps you have now.

I am reconciling myself with that thought as we give you the freedom to independently make arrangements or discuss things with your friends. It does feel like a paradox at times to let you get on with your life, while also being able to stay connected to you.