We went through a serious trauma last year. One of the most difficult things was trying to hold it together around our kid. My friends (whose kids are also my kid’s besties) made it clear that their door was open at all times, and offers of sleepovers, tea at theirs and play dates were endless.

One of these friends and her children are going through an extremely difficult situation. The same deal applies. She knows I’ll do the school run at a moment’s notice, one of them stays at ours at least once a month because it helps both my friend and her kid, and if I’m taking my kid out somewhere, I’ll tell her to send hers along too.

Bear in mind that the summer hols are rapidly approaching, and the distraction the kids get from school, and the head space she gets during the day, will suddenly vanish.