DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: We just had our first baby, and for the first few weeks, while I was recovering from a c-section, it was great having both my and my husband’s parents around to help.

Now that I’m completely recovered and wanting to take over from here, all our helpers are still hanging around — as in all the time.

I really do appreciate their wanting to do what they can, but it’s gotten to the point where I’m practically not even allowed to take care of my own baby.

Is there something wrong with me that I don’t want all this around-the-clock help? --- HAD ENOUGH HELP

DEAR HAD ENOUGH HELP: In many ways you’re fortunate to have so much support in these early, often exhausting days of parenthood. But I can understand where it could get to be too much, and your growing nuclear family needs time to get used to your new life.

One way to find some middle ground might be to assign specified shifts to your helpful family members to stop by for their part of pitching in. A few hours a week would give you a little break and afford them not only a chance to help, but also affirmation that you appreciate what they’re so happy to do for you. Besides, like most newly-minted grandparents your folks need their grandbaby fix.

DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: For the past three years I have worked at an out-of-state summer camp that pays little, but provides me with a job I love and experience in my future profession of teaching.

This year, I’m getting heat from my parents to take an internship closer to home that pays more, but has absolutely nothing to do with my chosen field. How do I get them to understand why I want to pick my own summer job? --- PREFER TO BE A CAMP COUNSELOR

DEAR PREFER TO BE A CAMP COUNSELOR: It seems you have a pretty good argument stated in your letter. You see the counselor gig as an investment in your future. So long as it isn’t costing you more than you’re making in travel and expenses, hopefully you’re coming away with some money by the time you head home.

However, don’t entirely discount your parents’ concerns. If they’re counting on you to pitch in towards the cost of your education, then you need to keep that in the balance when you make your final decision about how to spend your summer.

DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: I have sometimes been in public bathrooms at restaurants, theatres, etc., and seen people come out of their stall and walk out without washing their hands. I find this disgusting at the best of times, but with the heightened attention during the COVID-19 virus outbreak, I am more concerned than offended.

What can be done in a situation like this? --- A WORRIED READER

DEAR WORRIED READER: This is a real concern at any time, and an issue that’s not easily solved, particularly when there’s a lot of fear, uncertainty, misinformation, and authorities on all levels are instituting measures they feel are in the best interest for the general population.

I brought your specific concern to a very good friend, who is an experienced public health professional. He believes you have a valid concern, as it’s not yet known if the virus can be transmitted by contact with stool or urine. What is known at the time I’m writing this is that the main route of transmission is through sneezing and coughing, but it’s unclear if it can be spread through other forms of contact, or picked up from objects like faucets, doorknobs, and countertops.

Owners of public restrooms can’t force non-employees to properly wash their hands after going to the bathroom. But what should help is if public health agencies continue to strongly promote awareness in the community about always thoroughly washing your hands after a bathroom visit and frequently throughout the day. It’s a time-proven and simple measure to help curtail the spread of many contagious diseases, and is especially critical during a pandemic.

My friend also urges the reminder that with COVID-19, covering your coughs and sneezes, getting tested if you’re feeling ill, and following all guidelines established by public health authorities are all vitally important.

I wish you and all my readers and their loved ones good health.