Mother-in-law Advice

Recently a newly married young woman asked me for some advice about getting along with her mother in law.  My first response was this:

             followed by this:

 

But she told me that didn’t help!

                                           So I gave it a little more thought. 

Here are my top ten (plus one) ways to get along with the infamous MIL:

1.   Smile

2.   Take a breath and count to 3 before you respond to ANY comment

3.   Remember she is not your mother and won’t do things like your mom.  She also doesn’t know you like your own mama knows you.  BUT she is your husband’s mom, so be respectful.

4.   You don’t have to be best friends, but you do have to be civil, kind and polite.  (Good advice for any TOUGH relationship!)

5.   Serve her whenever you can

6.   Let her see you being kind and loving to her son.  He will ALWAYS be her little boy!

7.   Find something positive that she does that YOU like and praise her for that

8.   Don’t stay longer than four days in their home

9.   If at all possible, find something that you could enjoy doing together without your husband & her son around.  Cooking, shopping, gardening, talking about books, antiquing, going to yard sales, hang gliding, running, getting manicures---it really doesn’t matter what it is!

10.Remember she raised your best friend and the love of your life, so she can’t be all bad! Respect her as the mother of the man you adore. 

Plus One: Let her LOVE your children!

Good luck!  This is one of those challenging relationships in life that you have to learn to navigate.  You can do it and find happiness & peace in the relationship! 

Cheer & Bless & Brighten Every Passing Day!

With love,

                            Katie