Dear Family Coach: I work as a freelance journalist, and I watch my 18-month-old son during the day. As a stay-at-home working parent, I'm constantly wondering if I should be following my son around and playing with him all day, or if it is OK to give him freedom and time to explore on his own. I worry that I am not engaging him enough when I am trying to get work done around the house. How do I find the right balance? — SAHWD

Dear SAHWD: Back when I was a girl, a neighborhood mother used to tell her daughter and I to "go play in traffic" when we were seeking an activity. Now, I am not suggesting you throw your toddler to the wolves while you sit around working on a story. However, my friend's mother had a clear vision for how children should play, and it didn't involve constant parent oversight. In recent years, the trend has been for parents to be uber-invested in their children's activities. It isn't enough for kids to play with blocks or thumb through books; parents feel the need to teach and instruct at every turn. It's utter nonsense.

The right balance is somewhere between playing with your son all day and leaving him on his own. Sometimes children never learn the joy of self-directed play when parents are their constant companions. Of course it's great to engage in some learning opportunities, but don't feel you have to at all times. Create a safe space where your son can explore without danger. It might be one room; it might be several. But you can feel comfortable letting him explore in that space without constant supervision. When you hear he is starting to turn restless or lose interest, engage him in an activity. The bottom line: If he is happy playing, feel free to do other chores. If he isn't, your work will have to wait.

Dear Family Coach: My 15-year-old son will no longer allow me to take his picture. I'm so frustrated. He says he is sick of me posting photos on Facebook. But I don't understand why I can't post to my page. How can I get him to let me take his picture? — Photo Mom

Dear Photo Mom: This is very simple. If he doesn't want you to post his pictures, let alone take them, you can't. Your son isn't a baby. He has interest in shaping his public persona, and he is entitled to do to so. You have no right to force him to be on the internet, especially with pictures he didn't approve of. Imagine if your boss took a horrible candid of you and posted it on the company home page. Or what if your college friend decided to share an embarrassing photo of you doing a handstand while drinking from a keg? I'm guessing you wouldn't be thrilled with being involuntarily portrayed online.

Back off of your son. Don't take his picture without asking, and stop posting stuff. He probably has his own social media accounts and is capable of handling his own PR. If he wants to share a picture, he will. You do not have permission to share. Your friends are just going to have to stop by to see how much he's grown.

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 [email protected]. 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.