How to Rid Yourself of Mother in Law Problems

Do you have the mother in law that all mother in law jokes were created from? Do you involuntary cringe at the sound of her voice or the thought of her presence? Do you tell mother in law stories to your friends so that you do not have to pay a therapist? Do you wholeheartedly believe that your mother in law is truly evil? Here are a few relatively easy ways to rid yourself of a pesky mother in law.

Things You'll Need

• a spine
• a husband willing to back your decisions
• liquor, as needed

Instructions

1. The first and most important step in the mother in law relations arena is finding your own backbone. I know, I know. You were brought up to respect your elders and you do not want to be the cause of all the strife within a family unit. But, the thing is, when Mama isn't happy, no one is happy. When you marry, in essence, you become Mama. Having to deal with a problem mother in law will put a lot of strain on even the strongest relationship. Be prepared to fight for yourself and your marriage.

2. Secondly, sit down with your husband and discuss the issues you are having with your mother in law. Point out to your husband what you consider to be bad behavior on her part. Try to establish what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior, and set YOUR rules for YOUR home. Having your husband on the same page as you will alleviate stress between the two of you when the going gets rough. (And judging by my mother in law, it will!)

3. When you bring children into the equation, mother in laws turn into another monster altogether. I have heard horror stories ranging from the problem mother in law wanting to name the baby to mother in law guilting children into anything. DO NOT LET THIS HAPPEN! Your children are your children. It is your responsibility as a parent to ensure that the child has the best quality of life possible. Toxic grandparents need a firm hand, and sometimes a timeout. Have your boundaries, and enforce them. If you do not want your mother in law keeping your child overnight, then don't. When she has a tantrum like a 3 year old, point and laugh. And then put her in time out.

4. Always remember, you are doing what it takes to keep harmony within your household. Never second guess your decisions regarding your mother in law. You are making those choices because you were presented with no other choice. Your problem mother in law will get the hint after a few timeouts that you mean business. Do not try to sugarcoat your decisions, as that may lead to confusion. A firm no works much better than a "We'll just have to see."

5. And if all else fails, there is one for sure mother in law cure: liquor. Lots of it. You can either drink away her memory, or drink enough that your backbone emerges. Either way, its a win-win situation.

Tips & Warnings

• Mother in laws are not for sissies.