How to Be a Good Mother-In-Law

If you thought it was hard being a good Mom, you should try being a good mother-in law!

Just thinking about overcoming all the hype surrounded by the name is intimidating. The mother-in-law has been the butt of jokes for centuries! Not just this century and the last but for thousands of years! If cave men got married, I'd just bet there were mother-in-law jokes way back then too!

So, what's a mother-in-law to do to prevent the eye-rolling, under-the-breathe moans that happen when 'she' calls?

Is it possible not to be an annoyance to you child's spouse just because you are 'the in-laws'?

Most definitely, yes!

How does one go about doing that?

Things You'll Need

• Ah, well, children!
• Patience
• Respect

Instructions

1. Of course, the first step is to have a child to whom you have been a good Mom, but that's a different article.

2. Said child then meets the partner of their dreams. Here's where the problems begin! (You might want to make note of this if your son or daughter is just beginning to date.) No matter how much you question the wisdom of your son or daughter's choice in partners, KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT! I can guarantee you that the slightest slip of the tongue about the length of his hair, the neighborhood she grew up in or any other seemingly harmless comment will come back to haunt you some day.

3. Even after your child breaks off a relationship with someone, there is no value in telling them how you REALLY felt about the dropped partner. That relationship just might re-kindle someday and you may find yourself trying to explain what you really meant to say.

4. After your child has chosen a mate, there are some things you have to realize: whether your offspring is twenty or fifty, this is their choice to make and you should have nothing to say about it. Your child is not a child anymore. Let your son or daughter become the man or woman you prepared them to be. Trust them to make a good choice or to live with any mistakes they make.

5. Never, never walk away shaking your head in annoyance, frustration or anger.

6. Don't criticize him, her or them. If they want your thoughts or suggestions, let them know all they have to do is ask. Be honest with them when they do ask but don't be rude or insulting. Otherwise, keep quiet and mind your own business.

   See, that's the key - it's not your business anymore!

7. Lastly, show the respect for your son or daughter's in-laws that you would like shown to you. You just might find two families that truly do become one big happy family!