Inspired by a book about being fabulous that has just been published I thought I'd write about taking care of your mother-in-law. Read on for some inspirational tips on turning what can be a tricky relationship around.
In the Jewish Princess Guide to Fabulosity, Tracey Fine and Georgie Tarn have some useful ideas on how to make the relationship between you and your mother-in-law fabulous.
1) Suck Up!
2) Behind every great man is a great woman
You might not like to admit it but before you came along there was another woman in your man’s life.
3) Take the initiative
Ring your MIL at least once a week, even if she doesn’t ring you. The same can be applied to SIL (sisters in law).
4) Spend time with your MIL. Find out where she would like to go.
5) Make sure to help her in the home.
6) If you buy your mother a gift – buy one for your MIL. Even when your Mother in law is still trying to adapt to you and buys a birthday t-shirt with WICKED printed across the front, do not be tempted to retaliate and buy her a bottle of POISON perfume. I assure you, you will not come up smelling of roses.
7) When your MIL has a different point of view to you, accept that people have their differences.
8) Praise her cooking, her home, her looks.
9) If she offers to babysit, say yes, with no rules or regulations attached. Don’t resent your MIL if she’s too busy – it’s her loss. If you want her to spend more time with your children, asking your in-laws over for dinner will bring your family closer together.
10) Remember, one day you too might become a MIL.
And if my mother-in-law reads this – I’m phoning you because I want to – not because I read that I should in some book!
Melissa Corkhill is the editor of The Green Parent magazine, mother of two and author of the book Green Parenting
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