DEAR HARRIETTE: My partner has become increasingly glued to his phone, even during family time with our child. It’s frustrating to feel like he’s prioritizing his screen over meaningful moments together, especially since we already have limited time to connect due to our busy schedules. To address this, I decided to implement a no-phone rule during meals so we can focus on one another, set a good example for our daughter and have meaningful conversations as a family. While he initially agreed, he often struggles to stick to the rule, and I feel like my efforts to strengthen our family connection aren’t being taken seriously. I miss having real conversations with him and worry about how this is affecting our bond. What should I do to reinforce this boundary and encourage more meaningful interaction? -- Second to the Screen

DEAR SECOND TO THE SCREEN: Breaking habits takes time. Since this is important to you, now is the time for you to exercise patience and vigilance. Remind him when he goes to pick up his phone that this is family time. Get a basket and put both of your phones out of arm’s reach from the table before you sit down to eat. Silence the phones, and remind each other not to reach for them until mealtime is over. Thank your partner for following your agreement. Work with him to engage with your child. The more he does that, the more he may realize how nice it is to be fully present.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My sister-in-law often makes passive-aggressive comments about my parenting style, which has been frustrating to deal with. Recently, I decided to address it directly, and I told her she has no right to meddle in how I raise my child. I spoke firmly but calmly, making it clear that I know what I’m doing and that she should respect my boundaries. However, at a family gathering soon after, she claimed I had angrily shouted at her during our conversation, which is completely untrue. Her version of events has made things awkward with other family members, and I feel unfairly judged. I want to set the record straight without escalating the situation further or creating more tension. How can I handle this gracefully while maintaining my boundaries and protecting my reputation? -- Family Friction

DEAR FAMILY FRICTION: It sounds like it is out of the ordinary for people in your family to call each other out on their behavior. Your sister-in-law experienced your pushback as shouting, even though you did not intend it that way. You can say to her -- and your family -- that you did not mean to raise your voice at her, nor do you believe you did, but it was and is important to you that she give you space to take care of your child however you choose, free of her judgment. Tell them all that you would appreciate being supported as you care for your child, not harassed or criticized.

(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a new mother, and I feel like I can’t do anything right. I just had a baby boy, and while I love him more than anything, the adjustment to motherhood has been painful and difficult for me. It seems like no matter how hard I try, I’m always falling short, whether it’s soothing my baby when he cries, keeping up with housework or even finding time to take care of myself.

My husband has been a wonderful help throughout this process. He’s truly a great father; he’s always there to change diapers, cook meals or give me time to rest. Even with his support, I find myself constantly snapping at him for no reason. Sometimes he’ll say something as simple as, “Can I help you?” and I’ll lose my temper, even though I know he means well. Afterward, I feel terrible for being so short with him because I know he’s doing his best to support me.

I feel like I’m stuck in a cycle of guilt, frustration and exhaustion, and it’s starting to take a toll on our relationship. I want to be a better partner to him and a more confident mother for my son, but I’m not sure how to manage these emotions or where to start. Is it normal to feel this way, or am I doing something wrong? -- New Mom Blues

DEAR NEW MOM BLUES: Many new moms suffer from feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and short-tempered. Ironically, the easiest solutions can be the most difficult to achieve. Why? Well, if you can sleep more, carve out some quiet time and stay calm, all will be better -- but you know how hard it is to find those things. For now, apologize to your husband for your shortness. Tell him how tough things are for you, and thank him for his partnership. Schedule naps whenever you can. Be sure to visit your doctor. You may have postpartum depression, for which there is treatment. Trust that things will get better.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My close friend constantly seeks my advice about the same relationship problems, but she never follows through on my suggestions. It’s becoming a pattern that’s frustrating and exhausting for me. While I care deeply about her and want to support her, it’s starting to feel like I’m wasting my time and energy. I find myself dreading these conversations because I already know how they’ll play out. At the same time, I don’t want to seem dismissive or uncaring by turning her away when she reaches out.

I want to set healthy boundaries with my friend, but I’m worried about hurting her feelings or damaging our friendship. How can I communicate my frustration in a way that is honest yet compassionate? I want to maintain our connection, but I need to protect my own emotional well-being. -- Advice Fatigue

DEAR ADVICE FATIGUE: Next time your friend comes to you for advice, tell her you have nothing more to add to what you've already advised. Remind her that you are not a professional, and you realize that you have not been helping her with the ideas you have offered. Recommend that she go to a therapist.

(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)

DEAR HARRIETTE: When I got pregnant later than expected, people started asking why it took my husband and me so long to have a baby. Soon, many began offering their opinions, suggesting that we should have more children. I feel overwhelmed by all the comments, especially since they don’t understand our situation. It’s as if they think they have the right to decide what’s best for our family. We are still figuring things out and aren’t ready to make any decisions about adding more children just yet. I don’t know how to respond without seeming rude or dismissive. How can I politely tell them that it’s our choice, and they aren’t the ones who will decide what’s best for us? -- Unwanted Opinions

DEAR UNWANTED OPINIONS: People always have opinions about others’ lives, especially when it comes to children. For some reason, they feel they have the right to share their views with others. This does not mean that you have to accept their thoughts or always bite your tongue when those opinions are offered.

The next time someone begins to tell you what they think you should do in your family planning, stop them. Interrupt and firmly say something like this: “Thank you for wanting to share your opinion on this matter, but we are fine, and we are making decisions on our own.” Then pivot. Walk away. Change the subject. If they persist, tell them you are not interested in discussing this with them. This is a private, personal matter that you will not talk about.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My husband and I have been married for over a decade, and we own and run a family business, which means we spend nearly every waking moment together. We handle the stress and demands of the business, and then go home together every evening. At first it felt like a bonding experience, and we were excited about building something together. As time has gone on, though, the constant togetherness is starting to put a strain on our relationship. Lately, we’ve found ourselves bickering over minor things, and it seems as though we’re losing the romantic, personal connection we once had. It feels as if the business has consumed so much of our lives that we rarely get a chance to step back and enjoy being a couple. Sometimes it’s hard to separate our roles as business partners from our roles as husband and wife. We’re both committed to the business and want it to succeed, but we also want to protect and nurture our marriage. How can we find a healthier balance between our work lives and our personal lives so we can reconnect and enjoy each other’s company again without the business always intruding? -- Too Close

DEAR TOO CLOSE: Sounds like you both need hobbies or other activities that give you time away from each other. There’s nothing wrong with that. Consider taking classes or assuming other extracurricular engagements that will take you away from each other for a few hours a week. It will give you time to express yourselves and be alone.

You may also want to plan a vacation together. Choose a location that you both will enjoy where you can relax and not think about work. This may help reignite some passion in your relationship.

(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)