Joanna Fortune: How do I explain mum's distance to my children? 

"The fact that your children are now asking about it indicates they are identifying the difference between the grandmother who is physically and emotionally present in your lives and the one who is notably not so."

Pic: iStock

I've never had a close relationship with my mum. I made my own way in life and am happily married with three young children. 

My husband's mother is very involved with our children, often babysitting and always interested in hearing about their little milestones.