From little seeds grow mighty trees.

I got thinking about this adage as I sat lazying in my garden, watching my two youngest children explore our biggest garden tree on Youth Day.

Daniella, just six, created her own magic tree, stirring up dreamy recipes and casual fun; a piece of bark here, a slip of cloth there. Her thoughts, her world.

“Come watch, dad,” she squealed.

I looked on in wonder and not a little awe. Something so simple made her feel so good.

Of course, little Alexei wanted in on the action too. He tackled the play ladder with gusto, exploring the lower reaches of the tree with a sense of bemusement and quiet terror. “Dada! Dada!” he wailed after a while, curiosity giving way to the fear I’m secretly pleased he still has. He will have all the time he needs to climb trees (and probably fall out of a few).

It was a morning that brought a rush of emotions, not least the satisfaction that such simple joys can bring to a young child’s life.

It was a reminder, too, to slow down and reflect.

Yes, it’s true – our kids are sometimes smarter.