Let me explain myself. I am not talking about the usual challenges raising a family comes with, like money worries, fussy eaters etc. Of course that stuff will never change. I am talking about how different kids are now, than we were as kids - so much more different.

There is so much more ‘stuff’ we have to worry about with our kids, which were no more than just a tiny blip on our parents’ radar. Safety is a huge worry now, I remember heading out at dawn on the weekend and coming home when I was hungry, that is if your friend’s mum hadn’t fed you first.

Kids just can’t do this anymore; you have to know where your kids are at every minute of the day, who they are with and what kind of people they might be. You have to call or meet a new friend’s parent first, before they can come over and play. I miss the blissful ignorance we once had about all things sinister in the world.

Then there is school homework. I don’t know about you, but what is the go with this little section for the kids to do with their mum and dad? Sure, it is probably a well-meant little exercise in family togetherness, that somebody thought would be a brilliant idea.

But I have things to do, and I think I’ve done enough homework in my time thank you very much.

Also, I think I need a do over of long division, especially since maths as taught has changed from when I learnt it;

“That’s not how the teacher showed us how to do it mum!” Kids have bigger attitudes now, have you noticed this?

Along with a sense of self-righteousness that didn’t arrive for me (and probably most of us) till somewhere in our teens. Because I said so; was enough for 10-year-old me. That’s all I needed to know, mummy law has been enforced, now shut up and back out of the room slowly while you still could.

Whip that statement out in this household, and the comeback is: Why Mum? Jessica’s mum lets her do/say/play/eat/buy/go…

(Not picking out any Jessica in particular there, the school has about forty of them, and apparently their mothers let them do everything they want).

We have to dress little fashionistas. It is no longer acceptable to just go out in whatever Mum dressed you in until you start dating, kids have to be seen in an outfit that probably costs more than what Mum is wearing.

It is likely that it looks better too, because Mum has to spend her clothing allowance on her mini fashionistas instead. I’m pretty sure the Husband was still being dressed by his mum when we met.

And whatever happened to playing with toys? Kids don’t ask for dolls and toys anymore, you know what they want now? Mobile Phones. I’d wager that every household containing a 10-year-old girl is listening to her incessant demands for one now, because apparently

EVERYONE has one but her. Really who is she going to call, and how is she going to pay for it? She is counting on credit from the bank of mummy I’m guessing. You know what I wanted at 10- years-old? A dolly.

Kids today… oh I’m feeling my age lately.

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