Early risers

We have never been particularly good at getting anywhere on time in our house: when we lived in London, we were literally a few minutes walk to school and still we arrived just as the bell rang - or the kids were already heading to class.

I seem to get more done now we've moved. London very slowly sucked away my energy stores; it was mostly to do with the time it took to get simple little things done at simple little places, like the supermarket. Then again, there were lots of interesting things to do too; I do find myself thinking, 'Ah, what shall I do tonight? Vacuuming?'

Here we have lots more time, and getting up in the morning doesn't seem a problem. Jack rises at 6.45 (previously unthinkable) and heads for the shower. This morning he suggested setting his alarm clock for 6.15am.

'It's not necessary,' I said. As much for myself as him.

Even rising at 6.45am, he arrives at school 40 minutes early.