It is not the sort of thing I like to admit openly, but I have been watching Big Brother.

Not to analyse the behaviour of the housemates in a Desmond Morris kind of way, and not unfortunately because there's nothing else worth watching.

It's compulsive viewing, that's all. And I like it.

Plus, it has given me a fantastic idea that I am sure will improve family life in my home.

I am going to call in the builders to do a bit of knocking around in our lounge (I know the correct term in polite society is 'living room', but Big Brother always calls it 'lounge') to create a room-within-a-room. It will be our diary room.

Every time one of my children feels the need to fold her arms, turn on her heels and exclaim: "Fine!", "Whatever!", or "It's not fair!" I will pack her off to that room, where an automated Big Brother-style voice will ask in a calm, honeyed tones: "Hello, how are you today?"

If the room does its job and it does tend to in the reality show each of them will air their frustrations.

There are sure to be lots of statements along the lines of: "Mummy made me turn the television off," "Rosie came into my room when she wasn't invited," and "Molly had the last Rolo yoghurt."

There will be tears and tantrums, huffing and puffing, kicking and screaming - very similar to the BB house, only with any luck the language will be slightly toned down.

Having the diary room might mean that the children don't come chasing after me yelling: "Muummmm" and airing all those trivial issues which to them are hugely important.

The diary room, which due to budget restrictions won't be as comfy as the BB room and will simply contain a white plastic chair from B&Q topped with a Matalan cushion, won't just serve a purpose as a vehicle for the kids to vent their spleens.

I'm sure it will be well-used by me as well. My husband has his shed in the far reaches of the garden, where out of earshot he almost certainly rants and raves to assorted plant pots, spades and spiders.

I haven't got anywhere to let off steam.

I could even try and get my husband to accompany me and we could air our respective grievances in a Relate-style counselling session.

It can't fail. Forget the kitchen extension, it will be the best investment we have ever made.

And, to top it all, when the kids get on top of us, we can lock them both in the diary room - which will, of course, be soundproof.