How to Make Your Mother-in-Law Feel Welcome
Though there is no shortage of mother-in-law jokes and complaints floating around, having a good relationship with your spouse's mom leads to greater family harmony. Patience, respect and understanding go a long way in creating a loving relationship with your mother-in-law; she can prove to be a great source of advice on everything from cooking to raising kids. Before her next visit, go out of your way to make your mother-in-law feel welcome.
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Things You'll Need
- Vacuum
- Dust mop
- Clean sheets
- Bath salt (optional)
- Herbal tea (optional)
- Markers (optional)
- Crayons (optional)
- Paint (optional)
- Paper
- Welcome banner
- Activity schedule
- Food
- Wine (optional)
Instructions
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Arrange a guest room for your mother-in-law. Having her own space will provide your mother-in-law with a peaceful place where she may lay out her things. Thoroughly clean the room; vacuum, dust and remove any clutter or litter. Make the bed with fresh sheets and lay out a set of clean towels for her to use. Empty all of the drawers and place extra hangers in the closet. Lay out treats she'll enjoy, like lavender bath salts or a selection of teas.
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Decorate the house with welcoming arts and crafts. If you have kids, encourage them to create "welcome grandma" artwork, such as drawings of themselves or something holiday-themed. Hang the pictures in prominent places, such as over the fireplace or on the walls around the dining table. If you don't have children, a welcome banner and a few balloons from a gift shop will also send the right message.
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Prepare a welcome dinner with friends and family. Ask your spouse about your mother-in-law's dietary needs and favorite foods; make a meal that she can enjoy without worrying about her health. To make her feel included, Dinnertool.com suggests asking for cooking advice and even a little help in the kitchen. If your mother-in-law enjoys wine, purchase a bottle to enjoy with the meal.
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Plan a few special activities for your mother-in-law's visit. Setting time aside to do things she enjoys will make her feel appreciated and special. Consider her likes and dislikes. Book an appointment with a photographer; have pictures taken of her with her child and grandchildren. Arrange for a spa visit, where she can enjoy a massage and pedicure. Reserve a table at a new restaurant.
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Tips & Warnings
If your mother-in-law tries to control every aspect of her visit, try to find compromise and avoid putting your spouse in the middle of things.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Getty Images
