When they are babies you simply put them to 'bed' in a cot. It has sides to it that stop them from falling out. As they grow you have to make the decision to move them into a bed. For Ben this bed was not a full size bed for it was only 5' 0" x 2' 3"and had at least a small rail to provide some means of stopping him falling out. Why do you always assume children will fall out of bed? Adults don't fall out of bed! (fall into bed some of you might say, with the exhaustion of bringing up children).

Since Ben spent up to 12 hours each day in this small bed then it can be reasonably assumed that it was comfortable.

However, when you've graduated from 'Thomas the Tank Engine' to 'Action Man' and 'Thunderbirds' quilt covers it's time to consider a full size bed.

The visit to the bed shop was duly made and a full size divan bed, with drawers (there's never enough space for toys etc.) was selected. In the showroom it looked fine and perfectly in keeping with all the other beds there.

However, when it had been delivered, unpacked and assembled we couldn't believe how high it was. It is actually 25" from the floor to the top of the mattress. Climbing into bed is for Ben a literal experience every night.

It's not so much the getting into bed that you worry about; it's the

possibility of him falling out, particularly when the floor is clay pamments.

The first night, there he was in his pyjamas, ready for trying out his new bed.

'Haven't you forgotten something' I asked.

'What?' he replied.

'Your parachute' I said.

Well he didn't fall out of bed from this great height and so far he hasn't needed the large cushions placed next to his bed 'just in case'.

You know how it is with boys … no interest in their clothes; they would stay in their pyjamas all day if you let them. Clothes have to be practically forced on to them whilst they watch the latest Power Rangers video. Imagine our surprise recently when Ben not only chose his own clothes to wear but he actually put them on without being asked to get dressed. Admittedly they were action man combat trousers with a suitably matching T-shirt but … who were we to argue … this was progress.

No doubt when he's older and insisting on designer clothes to wear we'll long for the days when clothing him was easier and cheaper.
M D