Picture this. I am out for a walk with Harriet. This is a pleassant opportunity as top-mum is at a party with William and it is one of those all too rare things - a warm sunny October day. We are walking along the seafront.

The sun is beaming, the waves are calm, the beach is inviting, and the bench ahead seems to be calling our names as though nothing would make it happier than cushioning our backsides.

 We duly oblige. I stretch out an arm around H, and look out to sea with a contented sigh.

 "What's wrong with this picture?" I ask.

Both my children know that I usually ask this question when in an idyllic situation, and the correct response is "nothing." 

However, quick as a flash, my emotionally astute daughter says "No beer."

Not bad for a 6-year old. and all true, but it did make me stop and think I should be careful about what impressions I am giving my kids. Do they think that I need beer to be happy?

I do, obviously, but I just don't want them to realise that just yet.