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There are some things in life that take you by surprise.

Like most people with a people carrier and mortgage, my school days are way behind me.

In the 21st century, we tell our kids that, with hard work, they can be what they want and we really do believe it.

Since my school days, I have always had my mother’s words of advice ringing in my ears whenever I get dressed in the morning and always make sure that I have decent underwear on before I skip off on my merry way to the Promised Land of the school run and the office.

“Age isn’t a thing,” said the otherwise charming young chap who sold me a loaf of bread and a ready meal the other evening.

We live in an age of rage – a period in time when everybody is really angry.

It is fair to say that while millions of our compatriots are treating this prolonged dry and warm spell like a supersized Mediterranean break, there are even more of us who say a little prayer each night for a spot of rain.

There are some jobs no parent relishes - changing nappies and mopping up bodily fluids being the obvious frontrunners.

As a nation, we have gone football mad again over the past four weeks, having witnessed the transformation of the Three Lions from end-of-the-pier joke to well groomed living history.

If you are a sun worshipper or an ice cream salesman then it is very likely you are currently experiencing the best of days.

From an early age we are taught that people are one thing or another: good or bad, old or young, Leavers or Remainers or morning or evening people.

If done properly, life should be all about experiences - it really isn’t rocket science, unless you decide to become a rocket scientist.

It is fair to say that we are living in a country that feels far from united right now.

Modern parents have it easy, right?

We all adapt to growing older in different ways.

For as long as I can remember, I have been a news addict.

Having a second child has well and truly shattered any illusions I had previously harboured about my parenting ‘skills’.

Earlier this month, the Office of National Statistics published a study revealing five per cent of Britons aged 16 and above feel alone pretty much all of the time.