Adventures in Parenting

You don’t read a title like that very often, do you?

It’s not easy being a mother-in-law. I can already see myself being a critical mother-in-law. As my children enter the dating age, I can’t see how there is anyone out there good enough to marry my perfect children!

Hence, being a mother naturally leads into being a mother-in-law who is controlling and critical. It comes with the territory.

To be an exception to the typical mother-in-law, you have to be like my mother-in-law:

1. Does not need to sleep.

My mother-in-law is up at the crack of dawn, makes a full breakfast for us, has soup on the stove, sweeps the front and back patio, all before my alarm rings. I forgive her for not doing windows.

2. Does not complain.

My mother-in-law keeps her opinions to herself, does not bother me with her aches and pains, does not criticize about my poor housekeeping habits. I nag myself about my messy house, but she doesn’t.

3. Does not impose herself.

My mother-in-law does not tell me how to raise my children, does not tell me the best way to cook the rice, or how to make soup. She does not tell me how to take care of her son, which I really appreciate.

My mother-in-law has been a tremendous help during my surgery, and I’ve come to a deeper appreciation for her.

If you do not have a great mother-in-law like I do, don’t worry. One day, when you become a mother-in-law, do your kids a favor and BE a great mother-in-law.

And then your daughter-in-law will say nice things about you!