The 32-year-old actress - who won the 2006 Best Actress Oscar for portraying singer June Carter Cash in 'Walk the Line' - revealed nine-year-old Ava cringes when her mother breaks into song.

    Reese said: "I love to sing around the house and in the car, but my daughter hates it."

    Ava even set down some ground rules when the pair went to see country singer Carrie Underwood.

    Reese explained: "She said, 'Mom I really appreciate you taking me to the concert, but will you please not embarrass me in front of Carrie Underwood by singing because she's a real singer and you're just, like a movie singer.' "

    Reese - who also has five-year-old son Deacon with ex-husband Ryan Phillippe - insists she is glad her children keep her grounded.

    She told Parents magazine: "Realising you're not anything special to the kids is always a great sort of reminder that you're just a regular person. A regular embarrassing old mom."