DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: My friend, “Annie”, and I have grandchildren who were born within a few weeks of each other. That’s happened twice now, and while it can be fun comparing notes and boasts, Annie has started rubbing me the wrong way with her constant bragging about what her grandkids are doing, usually sooner or better than my grandkids.

I’ve known Annie since we were both young mothers, and she wasn’t like this with her own kids. What evil gene has been activated since she became a grandmother? --- JUST AS PROUD GRANDMA

DEAR JUST AS PROUD GRANDMA: Maybe when you and Annie were raising your own children, she was too busy to find time to dote and brag — or you were too busy to notice if she did.

The next time you find yourselves on the topic of the grandkids, perhaps you should just let her get the incredibleness of her little darlings out of her system. Once she’s had her say, you can update her on what’s happening with your own grandkids, not as a competition, but as some friendly chatting. If she tries to top you at that point, a quick change of subject should be in order.

DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: I work part-time in a mom and pop bakery where my family has always gotten our special baked goods. I am not saying they do anything all that different than most of us do in our own kitchens, but when you are cooking for the public, I guess I don’t expect a place to cut so many corners. They use cheap ingredients to stretch the expensive ones. Don’t always pay attention to the “best by” dates. And one time I came in to find the owner continuing to knead some dough that I saw him pick up from the floor.

They pass their health inspections regularly, so I am guessing they are not doing anything illegal, but I find it kind of disgusting that customers, like my family, are not getting either what they are paying for or the most hygienic products.

I haven’t said anything yet to my parents or family friends, since this is just a temporary job until I can get my full-time hours back. But should I tell them what goes on there? --- YUCK

DEAR YUCK: While it may not seem very savory, I’m not sure what you’re seeing is all that different from what goes on in many food service environments.

Except for the dough going from the floor to the counter, if the bakery complies with health code regulations and routinely passes health inspections, there is probably not much to worry your family or friends with. If word gets around that there’s something shady going on, whether that’s the case or not, the bakery’s business will undoubtedly suffer.

However, if you truly believe any of the bakery’s practices are dangerous to their customers, then you have cause not only to let your family know, but also to report the issue to the proper authorities — in which case, be prepared to be back on the job market.

DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: My wife has been home since her job went virtual in early April. It’s worked well, since she can help cover the kids, who haven’t been in school and are only heading back two days a week when they start up again after Labor Day.

My wife is the kind of mom who likes to keep the kids busy as much as possible. She works a few hours in the morning, while I’m still home, and then takes over with the kids when I have to leave for work. From then until she gets them down to bed, it’s play/exercise time, project time, and cooking time. She’s getting to be a better and better cook, and she’s teaching the kids everything she learns, and I can see it’s good for them all.

The issue has become, though, that thanks to all the delicious food in the house all the time, I’ve gained almost 20 lbs. Because of the tag team we have established to cover the kids, that means I only get to the gym on the weekends, and that’s only when I can get into the gym when I have open time.

I don’t want to hurt my wife’s feelings, or check her in her growing skills as a cook, but there’s only so much I can eat, and that’s been too much lately. What do I do to get some balance here? --- MARRIED TO A BLOSSOMING CHEF

DEAR MARRIED TO A BLOSSOMING CHEF: I don’t think it’s unreasonable for you to let your wife know that, while you enjoy what she and the kids are cooking up, it may be time to cut back on the volume of their output.

Depending on the nature of your job, possibly you could offer to bring in some of the extras to share with your coworkers.

Another option might be suggesting your wife contact local food banks or shelters to see if they accept homemade meals. I’m aware of one shelter near me that’s taken donations of both fresh and packaged foods following community events. Even if what your family would be providing wouldn’t be enough to serve a large number of diners, it might be useful to families known to the shelter.

Finally, first responders, hospital workers, and other healthcare providers in your neighborhood or town may be glad for a treat or two. My guess is they were bombarded by well-deserved goodwill for a few weeks early on in the pandemic, but perhaps not as much lately.