Kind is such a small word but, to me, it’s one of the most important because it manifests itself in so many ways. It can be something small, like automatically holding open the door for someone – but I think these acts of kindness are very telling about the heart of a man or a woman.
As soon as my children started secondary school, I sat them down and said, ‘I am not going to be on your case to do homework. It is down to you now. That way, you deserve every good mark and reward that you get, and can feel proud.’
I am quite a gentle person, so when I started on Loose Women, it was difficult. I wasn’t used to the idea that people can argue but still be friends. But it’s a great life lesson that these dynamic characters can have polar opposite views and state their cases passionately yet not fall out over it; that friendship is stronger than any opinion you might have.