My son Bihu (he prefers Agastya) turns 13 today. So far, he's a funny, loving, warm, easy-going (too easy going, says Ma'am), indisciplined, short tempered person. He adds dimension and interest to my life. In Good Housekeeping, we're of course constantly talking of family. In most editions of the magazine worldwide, the section Good Family talks solely of children. So is 'family' synonymous with children? And are you incomplete as a couple if you don't have children? I think not. The people you grow up with, live long years with, is your family. Also, consider why most people have children. Try this experiment, ask people with children and without, why they have or would like to have children. The answers would range from I want someone to carry forward the family line; they will be my support in old age; I would feel incomplete; there's social pressure; I want to live my life through them; it's a great high for me if my children do well... You will notice, very few will actually say, I have children or would love to have children simply because they delight me just by being there, as they are. Of course, I am often told that just because I have two healthy, normal boys, I am complacent enough to have these supercilous notions... Maybe, they're right. But, perhaps too late in life, I have realised that I should have enjoyed my babies more, not just fussed and worried and coached and got impatient, especially with Japi, who turns 17 in a few months. Well, there's no setting the clock back, and of course, there's another day tomorrow to try and be a better parent, to enjoy my children more. And to stop the lecture. Now!