Wednesday 

Five Senses

A hard one for Glasgow, where, as Billy Connelly will tell you, there is a long tradition of parents attempting to slap sense into their young. 

Every now and again, when she's so inclined, our cat will demand to be stroked. If I'm doing something else - too bad, as she will climb on to my shoulder, and if necessary my face to get the attention she needs, a rub behind the ears, under the chin or between the shoulderblades. She loves it, and I must admit, I find it almost as relaxing as she does.

We all need to be stroked sometimes. Infants die if they don't get touched. Muhammad said that those who have mercy in their hearts will kiss and hug their children. He particularly loved his grandchildren, who would climb all over him while he was at prayer. His touch was always gentle, and he made sure that it was never used in anger. In all his life, the Prophet never hit a woman or a child.

So take any chance that's going to hug your children and grandchildren - if they'll let you, and if they're in a phase when it seems they would prefer warfare, realise that you lose if you ever let it come to blows.