It shouldn’t really matter if your relative is innocent or guilty from the point of view of visiting; one way or another they will still need the help, love and continued support of caring family members in order to progress…
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The butt of jokes since time immemorial. That has been the lot of the “In-Laws.” Some of this is justified, whereas some is uncalled for. It is possible to build a good relationship with your in-laws. All it calls for…
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How asking works better than demanding in relationships… I do not believe there is an adult, child, or teenager, on this earth who wants someone looking down their nose and demanding them to do something. This can be an automatic…
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Of course having a good relationship with in-laws will create a positive impact on your marriage just as having a poor relationship with them is likely to create a negative effect. Much as we hate to admit it, when we…
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We all know the proverb “if you marry your spouse, you also marry his/her family”. It is true but you don’t have to consider this as a negative point. Your relationship with your in-laws can be a great addition to…
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Do my in-laws hate me? Well, my husband says no, but actions speak louder than words, right? I agree with the writer who stated that you shouldn’t expect your in-laws to be just like your own parents…that’s unfair. They are…
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When you meet that special someone, you both become part of each other’s families. A relationship usually develops with your in-laws even before you are married. Being accepted and welcomed into this new family is an important part in making…
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No, no, no. It doesn’t matter how attractive, how charming or how whatever he is, just say no. The morality in our society is tinted now with shades of gray and those shades dominate this world, but I think we…
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It is possible for a marriage to work without getting on with your in-laws, but marriage is hard enough to make work without complications, problems or arguments, without having problems with the parents of your spouse. Getting on with your…
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As a mother-in-law you have to get rid of the notion that no one will ever be good enough for your son.  Should your daughter-in-law not meet your expectations, it is critical that you accept her, right where she’s at,…
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I have been really lucky there, because I have great lovable daughter-in-laws. I was so happy for each son and so proud. That is the key is in seeing your son happy and being happy for him. This is not…
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Being part of a blended family isn’t always an easy experience. There can often be underlying issues to contend with which unfortunately are not mentioned. The ability to form strong relationships within a blended family can sometimes be held back…
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Getting along with mother-in-law: When it’s real and when you’re faking it When it’s real you don’t have any problems being around someone and it comes as natural as blinking your eyes, getting along and enjoying their company. However, when…
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Dealing with a mother-in-law is something almost everyone who gets married has to do. Unless you are marrying someone whose mother has died or moved a long way away you will need to speak to her and see her. You…
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Celebrations and Holidays among blended families can be a joyous or trying experience depending on how you deal with the situation. All families are unique and come with their own holiday traditions, beliefs and schedules. A key component to planning…
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Here are my top ideas for keeping in touch with family and friends while traveling or away from home. A little background if you please: I moved to a foreign country a few years ago and it’s like a continuing…
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Having to deal with an interfering mother-in-law can put a huge strain on a relationship. Some mother-in-laws just go way too far trying to prove that no one is good enough for her little boy. Some go so far that…
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Rivalry among children in a blended family should be approached sensitively by the parents. It is often very hard for children who have been catapulted into a new living situation with new family members. All of a sudden, they have…
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Ideally speaking, you should not feel pressure to “impress” your in-laws. The fact of the matter is, their son or daughter chose you as a life partner for one, if not many, reasons. Keep this in mind when you’re meeting,…
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What children need most from their parents is unconditional love. They need to feel safe and secure and they need to know that no matter what happens, they will be able to count on you, their parents. However, when families…
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It is imperative that you accept your embarrassing relative for who they are. You will soon be enjoying their visits to your family gatherings. Love them for their idiosyncrasies, not in spite of them. There are several fun ways to…
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A member of your family is in prison and you really don’t want to talk about it. Or do you? In the years I have been involved with the TX prison system, I have met a lot of people who…
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There is nothing wrong with friendly rivalry among step-brothers and step-sisters as long as it is done in the spirit of amiable competition and not aggressive hostility. It is the responsibility of step-parents to ensure their children understand the difference….
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Entering into a blended family situation with your own children is a long term commitment which should not be taken on lightly especially when children of a spouse are involved. Favouring your own children over that of a partner can…
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Hand-written, snail mailed letters are a thing of the past for most people. If you love someone who is incarcerated, I hope you’ve picked up a pen and paper and written them weekly. If not, consider starting. Designate 15 minutes…
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Befriending your stepchild can be complicated. Often children of divorce are subjected to battling parents and are influenced by overheard information from an angry parent. Your stepchild might want to like you but puts up defensive walls that you will…
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If you have in-laws, more than likely you have some tension.  I think it all comes down to the fact that the first marriage had the perfect in-law: God.  After that it all went down hill.  How can you possibly…
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Blended families give rise to blended problems. What happens is that often parents and relatives outside of the newly blended family will expect their fair share of time with the children. This gives rise to many dilemmas. How can holidays…
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