This piece was originally published in June 2023Q Last year my niece decided to sever links with her mother. A It has a huge impact on every member of the family, including the wider family. Think of it: more than five million people have decided to cut contact with at least one family member. • Love may be expressed in different ways by different family members. • Timing is key — your niece may need time separate from her mother to have the space to find her own thoughts and feelings.

Source: The Times October 30, 2025 22:58 UTC