Manners Matter

Dear Mary Pat,

I have a daughter who is two months old. Since she is new to the family, our friends and family want to see her as much as possible. That is understandable and we want everyone to get to know her; however, it gets a little out of hand when my aunts are around her at the same time. At Easter, a large group of us went out for brunch. The group included three sets of aunts and uncles, my grandmother, my aunts’ mother, myself, my husband and our baby. Two of my aunts got a little possessive about who was going to hold the baby. One was claiming that since she had a cold last time, she should be able to hold the baby longer while the other one was trying everything in her power to get her hands on my daughter. Honestly, it was a little stressful even though I love my aunts very much. We were supposed to be having a relaxing meal and they were playing tug of war with my child. What can a new mother do???

She’s a Baby, Not a Football

Sturgeon Bay, WI

Dear She’s a Baby, Not a Football,

New babies…you just can’t get enough of them. Strangers on the street will look in your buggy and coo at your child. People in the mall will stare at your baby and say the most ridiculous things in high-pitched voices. So when you have an actual family member nearby, the reaction to the new baby will be that much stronger.

It sounds as though you need to set some boundaries. Would a number system like those used by delis be too extreme? How about a timer? Okay, so those would probably seem a little odd and impersonal. You are going to start just taking her back and holding her yourself to try and get control of the situation. This hysteria will wear off and your family will become normal again around your baby.

Good luck,

Mary Pat