Women everywhere: Beware the mother-in-law
We asked women what really riled them about their MIL’s. The findings reveal the nation's most irritating in-law bugbears including spoiling grandchildren rotten (18%) and turning up uninvited (7%).
The gurgle.com Top 5 'Know-it-all-in-law' hates are:
• Criticising mum’s approach to child-raising/ thinks she knows best (39%)
• Interfering in day-to-day life (23%)
• Still ‘babies’ their son (20%)
• Spoils grandchildren (11%)
• Turns up uninvited (7%)
To combat this we’ve launched a free online guide for mums on how to best deal with their mother in law in the run up to the Christmas period.
Nifa McLaughlin, editor of gurgle.com, commented: “It’s a problem that so many mothers face: how to manage your relationship with your in-law. The key thing to remember here is that she doesn’t think you’re doing a bad job; it’s just very hard for grannies to resist offering their own opinion if you’re doing something slightly differently to how she would have done with her own children. You’re probably a bit less resistant to advice from your own mum, but with the in-law it can irk that much more, as you feel as if your authority is being undermined.”
“It makes life easier for everyone, especially your partner, to maintain a good relationship with the in-law, so try to keep a sense of good humour when she criticises you. Master the art of taking deep breaths before you confront her, and politely point out that, while you appreciate her feedback, parenting methods have changed since her day. Every child is different and you know what’s best for your own, so trust your instincts and stand your ground.”
To find out how to cope with your in-laws, check out our mother in law guide!
Do you get on with your mother-in-law? Is it a love or hate relationship? Tell us all about it in our chat forums.
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