I am the fossil fuel to my mother’s renewable energy source, the sod of turf to her wind turbine, the briquette to her solar panel

I receive so many letters and phone calls from grandparents looking for advice on how to reconnect with their grandchildren after their child has separated from their partner

I appreciate how hurtful it can be to be told that all you have done for your family is still not enough

"I do think it's time to have a chat as a family, because the family are scattered all over - ye could put a plan together that sometimes they visit you at different times of the year. This will give you time with all the different people, especially the children."

They left everything up to me, including keeping an eye on their children

"No one needs to apologise for having a view. That said, we all need to be mindful of how and when we share that view and be sensitive to how it might land with people around us."

It’s a delicate balance: wanting everyone at their house while respecting that adult children may not get along or may have new obligations

Her funeral in Carrick-on-Shannon was a testament to a life well lived

You can take a few simple steps to try and ensure they aren’t at any increased risk

What a Difference a Day Makes: RTÉ’s Marty Whelan talks to Helen O’Callaghan about becoming a grandfather for the first time this year

The balance in your life is not working. It is not selfishness to say you can’t manage the amount of responsibility being placed on you, that is selfcare. 

Granny and granddad make ideal childminders, especially when colds and sniffles keep your child out of creche. But is it fair to ask them to put their own plans on hold so they can step in when needed?