It’s not hard to tell when your children have had a rough day at school but it’s like treading on egg shells when you try to find out what the problem is and how help.

Me ‘Good Day?
Chloe ‘Okay,’ (sits down, face like thunder.)
Me ‘You don’t look as though it was okay.’
Chloe ‘Sigh.’
Me ‘I can’t help if you won’t tell me what the problem is. Do you fancy a cup of tea and some cake?’
Chloe ‘Okay. (Pause.) ‘That Jenny is such a show off.’
Me ‘Why what’s she done?’
Chloe ‘Toby has asked her out. She’s been going on about it all day. I told her to get lost in the end.’
Me ‘She’s a bit young to be going on a date. Will her parents let her?’
Chloe ‘Duh! They’re not going on a date. They’re just going out together.’
Me ( Realising its a kid thing and not daring to ask where.) ‘Oh. Well I expect you’ll make it up tomorrow.’
Chloe ‘Uh, I don’t think so.’
Me (Supportive, understanding motherly but cool expression) ‘This Toby, he’s not a boy you like is he?’
Chloe (Outraged) ‘Uuuuurgh no, he’s ugly!’
Me ‘Well that’s something.’
Chloe ‘No it’s not, she thinks she’s it because she’s the first to have a boyfriend and she is just going to go on and on about it for ages. And nobody will probably ever ask me out so I’ll be the last in my class and everyone will think I’m a minger.
Me ‘Chloe of course you’re not you are beautiful and….’
Chloe ‘Huh you would say that.’

The phone rings and I answer. It’s Jenny for Chloe. I cover the mouthpiece.

Me ‘It’s Jenny. I’ll tell her you’re busy, shall I?’
Chloe (Scowl of bewilderment) No! She’s my friend. (Takes phone.) Hi Jenny. That’s so cool. (Giggles and continues to chat happily)
Me (Hover of bewilderment exits to the kitchen)