"Setting Boundaries: Dealing with Grandparents' Overstepping on Baby's First Birthday"

A parent seeks advice on dealing with grandparents who have taken over planning their baby's first birthday party, feeling torn between asserting their own preferences and letting the grandparents have their way. The columnist advises making a clear decision and sticking to it, emphasizing that first birthdays are more for the adults than the baby. Additionally, a reader suggests focusing on establishing boundaries in more significant areas, such as the child's upbringing. In another question, a parent seeks advice on how to help their second-grader open up about school issues, with the columnist suggesting engaging in regular activities together to create a relaxed environment for conversation.