I have just been watching the latest instalment of that great program 7 Up which filmed children from all different backgrounds and social class, then every 7 years he interviewed them again. Michael Apted, the director, wanted to test the quotation by Aristotle:

"Give me a child until he is 7 and I will show you the man."

I think I first saw the program when the children were 14 and shy awkward teenagers, a contrast to the outgoing lively 7-year-olds.

This program has always fascinated me as the children were only a few years older and by the time I saw the programs I was a similar age to them and going through some of the same life experiences.

Some of the original children have dropped out, some dropped out and then back in, as the interviews, every 7 years, can be overwhelming in their lives and are an intrusion at times.

Some of the now adults like to have a record of their lives and agree to still be part of the program even though it is quite tiring.

I was thinking what were Moodscopers like at 7 and if I saw them being filmed and interviewed would they be much different to how they see themselves now.

When I was 7, I was in year 2 at a local infant's school. I loved school and would not miss a day unless I was very ill.

I was a very serious and pessimistic child and used to think about things other seven-year olds didn't. I was often told to smile and be happy and be grateful.

I had no idea of what I wanted to be when I grew up, but I did have a fantasy world where I was the head of an orphanage and I could speak many languages and had many imaginary friends.

People described me as an unusual child. I was not popular.

Am I basically the same 7-year-old, in some ways yes, in some ways no.

Your turn wonderful Moodscopers. Can you please complete when I was 7 in as many sentences or as few as you feel comfortable sharing?

Are you basically the same 7-year-old now as an adult or are you very different?

Leah

A Moodscope member.