I was in the local supermarket last week and feeling rather harrassed. The weather was rubbish, the kids were bored and I was trying to do my weekly grocery shop while one tried to kamikaze out of the trolley and the others disappeared under shelves and around corners.

By the time I got to the checkout I was nearing the end of my tether and it must have showed. The checkout operator said:

“I see you have your hands full there.”

I rolled my eyes and heartily agreed. But he made me think when he told me that his youngest boy was now 15 and he despaired day and night about where he was and whether he was safe. He shared an old saying that his mother used to say when his children were young:

“As Long As They Are Around Your Feet, You Know Where They Are”

It made me stop and take stock. Yes the children were full of energy, yes they wore me out at times, but at least they were always within earshot. I dread the day when they grow up and don’t want to spend time with their parents anymore. My kids are great company and full of personality. I like being with them and I like knowing they are safe and well……I’ll think twice before I complain in the future.