Dear Queenie,

Recently at a family gathering my sister-in-law offered me some store-bought baby food she was feeding her own baby to give to my daughter who is 3 months old. I told her my baby is still only breast-fed and not ready for solid foods yet, not even that mushy semi-liquid commercial baby food (although I didn't say that last part out loud).

A while later I left the room for a minute while my mother-in-law was holding my baby and when I came back they were trying to feed her the baby food and having a good laugh at her reaction.

I was very angry and upset, but they just laughed at me too and said it wouldn't hurt my baby.

Queenie, how do I keep this from happening again?—New mother

Dear New mother,

They were probably right that the commercial baby food wouldn't hurt your daughter, unless she has some kind of allergy, but their disregard for your express wishes concerning the way you are raising your child is appalling.

The next time you see them, separately or together, make it clear to them – as politely as you can manage – that you will not interfere with the way your sister-in-law (and your mother-in-law too, if she still has very young children) raises her own baby, and you expect them to show you the same respect.

And if you are not absolutely certain that they will abide by your wishes, do not leave your baby alone with either of them for even a moment.