I HAVE previously shared my concerns that my son needs to butch it up a bit but he continues to show his softer side.

I don’t mind admitting that it is actually quite cute at times, but he seems to be really concerned about whether everyone is okay and worried should they look as if they have come to some harm.

For example, he has taken to asking if everyone in the room is “Okay?” if it goes a bit quiet, even placing a podgy little hand on their shoulder and cocking his head to the side in a concerned manner.

Little Ben also makes a point of kissing most of his toys goodnight and goodbye, even if he is just stepping into the kitchen.

When you are trying to get him into the car in time to get to work, kissing your way through a 36-piece farmyard set is quite time- consuming, let me tell you.

The latest show of emotion came while watching the cricket.

Ben, I am happy to report, is still mad keen on all things ball-related. Cricket, rugby, football – you name it, he will have a go at it.

This is a tremendous plus point for his sports-mad dad, who can probably get through most of a match without Ben arguing too hard to turn it over to the delights of CBeebies.

While settling down to watch the cricket match, with dad trying to explain the finer points of leg before wicket and the problem with leaving a hole at deep cover, a dramatic moment came with a fielder making an attempt at a catch.

Unfortunately for him he missed but it did result in a rather spectacular dive and subsequent roll or three. While the parents rejoiced at another let off for England, Ben’s first reaction was to check the chap was okay.

He rushed off the sofa and went over to the television before asking it if the fielder was “Okay?”.

When he did not respond, Ben learnt in and gave the player a big smacker.

Although this show of concern was commendable, dad and I exchanged a concerned look.

I mean – the bloke wasn’t even playing for our side.