Not just for CHRISTMAS

THE STORY SO FAR: Louisa is turning 45 on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, her nearest and dearest seem to have forgotten in the chaos of Christmas prep. Watching her ex-husband Joe thrive, with the woman who ‘usurped’ her, is galling as Louisa works part-time in the local dry-cleaners and is busy looking after their two children – Ellie, 15, and 13-year-old Harry. Now her ex says she ought to retrain, or at least do a college evening course. But Louisa isn’t convinced. Does her ex just want to cut her child maintenance? Louisa is dating Ben, who is lovely, but why is she reluctant to label what they have together? And is she ready to move on properly?

The kids get home from school, spot the college prospectus, and declare their father’s idea a good one.

I spend a fair amount of my time persuading them that education is key to a successful, happy future, which I really believe (unlike when I’m telling Ellie that the boys in her class will respect her individuality if she doesn’t wear a padded bra).

However, I am disconcerted when they play back my own arguments.

‘An under-exercised brain is a crime,’ says Harry.

‘How about a course in accountancy, Mum?’ adds Ellie. ‘Accountants are minted. Women need to be self-sufficient. You can’t rely on anyone, least of all men, to pay the bills.’

‘But I like my job. I don’t want to retrain,’