Dear Family Coach: My sister-in-law tried for many years to become pregnant and finally had a baby a few months back. She was so excited to be pregnant, but she seems to be less enthused with parenthood. I wonder if she could have postpartum depression. I'm afraid to reach out because there has been an issue in the past where she thinks I act like I know everything because I have six kids. What's the best way to approach her? — Concerned Sister-in-Law

Dear Concerned: Postpartum depression is a serious matter, and it shouldn't be ignored. Often women suffer in silence, feeling shame and doubt about their ability to parent. Your sister-in-law might have had an issue with you in the past due to pain she felt while trying to get pregnant. I'd have trouble with you, too, if I desperately wanted a child and you had six. But that doesn't mean that you can't be there for her now.

The best way to approach her is with an open heart and lots of empathy. Tell her about your concerns. Normalize her experience, and validate her feelings. Ask her if she has heard of postpartum depression, and perhaps review some of the hallmarks of it with her. If possible, recommend a therapist, or remind her that she can contact her doctor for more resources. Additionally, offer help by way of providing meals, cleaning the house, babysitting or taking her out for a pedicure. Above all else, give your sister-in-law love, support, patience and time to heal. This will go a long way to repair your relationship.

Dear Family Coach: Our sweet, adorable 20-month-old daughter just started to whine incessantly. It seems like she whines whenever she wants something. What's the best way to nip this in the bud? — Whined Out

Dear Whined Out: Isn't it amazing how quickly toddlers pick up annoying habits? Once learned, whining can become a way of life for some kids. Children often hear someone else whining and decide to copy the intonation, but they have no idea what will come of it. However, when whining suddenly produces a beneficial result they get the message that whining works. For example, a child asks, "Can I have a cookie?" Dad says, "No." The child whines, "Pleeeaasseee..." Dad says, "Ugh, fine. Just one more." Bingo! Whining produces results. You better believe that if just one whine produces a reward it is sure to continuously rear its ugly head.

The best way to teach your toddler to stop whining is to stop responding to it. If whining didn't yield results kids wouldn't do it. When your precious daughter moans, just ignore it. Don't respond, and stay strong. Don't give in to whining just to make it stop, either. That only reinforces the problem. If you already said "no," then don't negotiate. When "no" doesn't always mean "no" whining will follow. Try to be consistent in not responding to her whining, and make sure other caregivers are on board with this response. If you take a hard line, but Mom is a softy you won't make any headway. Lastly, try to relax through a whining session. Sometimes parents get so frustrated and annoyed by the tone that they become harsher than they would like to be.

Dr. Catherine Pearlman, the founder of The Family Coach, LLC, advises parents on all matters of child rearing. To write to Dr. Pearlman, send her an email at questions@thefamilycoach.com. To find out more about Dr. Catherine Pearlman and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: Harsha K R