It’s because she listens to me and she gives lots of attention to what I’m saying – JD, 4

I don’t like boastful parenting. “Ooh, my child was doing dishes at 9 months and by two years old he’d moved out and got a job in the city. What has YOURS done?” No, no, no.

But I have to boast a bit about Miss J’s achievements this week, and how JD has supported her. I just have to. Because it’s been one of those big weeks where their relationship strengthened and she suddenly sprang forward developmentally. I want to share it with you…

She’s talking

All of a sudden, Miss J went from babbling the odd syllable to talking. She can say THREE WORDS clearly, “daddy”, “again” and “yeah” – the last of which she says in an enthusiastic whisper, mirroring the way we say it to her. JD is fascinated and spends careful hours coaxing words from her with gentle songs and smiles.

She’s clapping

With her feet planted firmly on the foot plate of her Tripp Trapp, her dexterity has improved noticeably and she’s clapping at everything from the offer of food, to Tree Fu Tom, to the arrival of Mark home from work – always accompanied by a huge cheesy grin. JD’s dances bring her out in a full round of applause.

She’s climbing and pulling herself to standing

Miss J launched herself at a beanbag and scaled up it like a pro. Then she climbed down, crawled over to the sofa and stood herself up, grinning wildly. I just sat there open mouthed, wondering where my helpless little newborn had gone as JD pulled on my sleeve and pointed proudly.

So yeah, she’s eight months, he’s four years old and they are both amazing. All kids are in their own special, wonderful ways.