When I got the kids back for half term – they were with their Dad for the first week, and went to South Africa – I asked them if they missed me.

Big Boy O said: “Yes”. I probed and asked: “Really? Are you sure? You were in South Africa on safari, visiting a new country, new places, and saw new animals etc. And you actually missed me? You can say ‘No’ you know, if you didn’t miss me” And he said nonchalantly: “Okay, no, I didn’t miss you.”

Separately, I asked Baby F if he missed me. He said “yes”. And, as with Big Boy O, I asked if that was really the case, totally fine if not. And he said: “Yes, I missed you in the boring bits – like in the car, during the christening, and when waiting.” Lol.

I want my boys to be honest with me, trust me and be straight with me, instead of trying to give me the “right” answer.

Although I suppose that is what they do when I ask what is the favourite part of their holidays, and it tends to be the pool, or breakfast, or some incidental things rather than the main event.

I’m glad Big Boy O felt safe enough to say that he didn’t miss me.