Sometimes I am a good mum

It is sometimes painful to see myself reflected in my children. There are unkind words, tones of voice and sulky complaints of which I recognise myself the scriptwriter. And then there are the moments when an eight-year-old is looking over his younger sister's maths book and says, "You might want to look a that one again." This is something I always say; never, "You're wrong" or "You've made a silly mistake", but always a pointer to reconsider and to ask for help if it's needed. I was pleased and proud when I heard him say that; pleased with and proud of him for treating his sister with respect and gentleness, pleased and proud of myself for modelling it.