It feels like an epidemic: as parents, we struggle with our children’s relationships with our in-laws. Unless you are one of the lucky ones bragging that “my in-laws watched the kids this weekend while we went to a yoga retreat,” or “ I know the organic cotton baby bumpers are a bit more expensive, but my mother-in-law understands and insists—only the best for Ayden!”

Generally, the common phrases used to describe the in-laws are: overbearing, controlling, disinterested and/or out-of-touch. It may be difficult to know how to address these issues—after all, they are your in-laws. Sneaking sugary treats to your tots without your approval, showering your kids with inappropriate toys, forgetting to acknowledge your tyke’s birthday (again), or constantly bending your rules—these mind-boggling episodes have sent many parents (including myself) racing from the room during family visits while biting their tongues, eventually shoving another dollar into the piggy bank labeled “Little Eli’s Future Therapy,” all in an effort to keep the peace.

If this sounds familiar, you might consider preserving your sanity by having a respectful sit-down conversation between you, your spouse and your in-laws to discuss your parenting values. (Although, this may seem like an obvious step, it’s one most of us don’t take.) Surprisingly, they may not recognize why you feel strongly until you explain your reasoning to them. This discussion will give all of you a platform for fostering that special intergenerational bond. It might even allow you to crack open Eli’s piggy bank and treat yourselves to a delicious organic lunch out—or a trip to the Bahamas, depending on the level of in-law stress you’ve endured!

Written by: June Grushka-Rosen M.Ed. is a Life Coach, Educator, Psychotherapist and mommy of two.
To contact - LifeCoachingYou@Verizon.net

Related:

• No Related Post

This entry was posted on Sunday, January 13th, 2008 at 3:00 am and is filed under June, Parenting, Postive Parenting with June. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.