As a parent you are prepared by others and popular culture to expect changes in children's behaviour at certain ages.

Your little one's tantrum or wilful persistence is explained as the terrible 2s, and hormonally charged moods and embarrassment at your every utterance is apparently to be expected from about 13 onwards.

I've never, until now, understood the impact of the age of 10.

At 10 my eldest is just understanding of the existence of girls and relationships; the desire to be popular and the multiple demands of peer pressure. Selective testing and academic division has taken place and he knows he is on a different path to many of his contemporaries.

 After finally reaching  the summit of being in the most senior year in the only school he can remember, he realises he's just months away from being one of the youngest at the daunting prospect that is 'Big School'. 

He's on the verge of a new world; but for now at least, he still needs his bear. 

Till next time,

Matt Peers