Tips for Building Good In-Law Relationships

All week we have been talking about the challenges and joys of becoming a mother-in-law. If you feel your only choices are to keep your mouth shut or walk on eggshells when you are around your married offspring and their partners, think again. Our tips about improving the relationships with your children-in-law can also help cement good feelings with your adult children.

Here are some brief suggestions that we discuss in more detail on our website. Click on the title above to take you to HerMentorCenter.com where you can read more.

Be patient and give the relationship time to grow.

Give up your expectations about how "the kids" should relate to you.

Recognize and accept that your married children and their partners have the right to a different perspective.

Respect, and don't over-step, the boundaries as the new couple sets their own ground rules.

Get to know your children-in-law better. Work to form a personal connection with each of them.

Don't initiate competition by supporting your offspring over your son- or daughter-in-law.

Help out when you can, but ask first.

Choose your battles. You don't have to fight over every issue.

Share your frustrations with your friends and your love with your children

Create new outlets for yourself. See this time in life as a chance to develop.