This is a challenging news era in which to grow up

As his children grow up, Will Gore tries to keep them informed without scaring them

Russia invaded Ukraine in Februry 2022 (Getty Images)

In a month I will become the parent of a teenager as my eldest child reaches that terrifying milestone.

If it feels exciting to her, it is frankly baffling for me. For one thing, it seems no time at all that she was dancing around in princess dresses as a Frozen-obsessed toddler. For another, I spend most of my time feeling no different from when I was 28 – bad knee notwithstanding – so the idea that I am of a suitable age to have a teenager in my care feels plain wrong.

Anyhow, time waits for nobody. And the world is lying in wait for my children, whether I like it or not. What it has in store for them feels moderately bleak at present.