When I came home from work last night I exchanged the usual info about the day’s going ons with the kids. It’s a pretty quick exchange.

They’re two teens and a tween on school holidays and their days seem to involve sleeping in, “not much” and “I was just about to clean that up and you came home before I could do it”.

I talked a little about my day and must have said somewhere in there that I had to write my weekly newsletter, and I didn’t know what to say.

The night moved on and pretty soon we were arguing over the unfairness of the couch blanket length.

As I was drifting off later that night my 12-year-old came into my bedroom.

Jackie and her daughter (plus dog). Image: Supplied.

“Mum? Mum?” she half whispered, half yelled (which is a skill).

“Yeah?” I was warm and comfy and hoping the toilet hadn’t overflown, or the dog we are minding hadn’t had another “accident” on the carpet or we hadn’t run out of toothpaste or… my list is actually endless.

“I’ve written down some ideas for you” (BTW: my husband can sleep through a multitude of night conversations. Again, another skill a family member of mine has).

“Pardon?”

“For your newsletter. So you don’t have to worry tomorrow.”

I sat up and she handed me her list.

“It’s a bit messy because I did it in bed.”

My heart did that thing where it expands, warms up and shakes at the same time.

Here it is:

So in a change of plans, today’s newsletter is brought to you by my 12-year-old daughter.

Here's what the world should be talking about:

LISTEN: This Glorious Mess- Turns out our kids actually do listen to us. Post continues below..

I know. I know. The list does smack of someone (Ok, me) giving a lot of “talks” about “life”. But, see, kids do care and listen to what you say. They are sponges that love you (I don’t think a more lovely description has ever been written).

I think it's time my 12-year-old gave me some 'life lessons'. Enjoy the holidays if you can.

Have your kids ever done something so perceptive beyond their years?