Was worried about both children tonight.  14 and 12.  Basically the
older one has discovered that she likes Shakespeare -really likes
Shakespeare – and has been taking time out from MySpace and MSN to read
some of his plays.  Even reading them before bed. Not only that but she
has been enjoying them at school too. So much so that a few weeks ago
we all went out together to see the Tempest on stage.  And we
all…enjoyed it.  I have mentioned the Shakespeare thing to one or two
of my media researcher colleages and we think it might be a disturbing
new teen phenomenon that needs looking into.   And now, tonight, the
younger one says that he would like us to spend more time as a family
playing Monopoly together and talking.  This is because he spent the
BankHoliday weekend with another family away from his usual media and
has returned with these new strange ways.

But…it’s all OK.  I’m
out here  and everyone else is watching Big Brother. It’s come along to
save us and restore a sense of normality – reality – to life in the
house.