What's a Mother (in-Law) to Do?: 5 Essential Steps to Building a Loving Relationship with Your Son's New Wife

Published By: Howard Books

Book Category: Non-Fiction, Family & Relationships

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Reviewed by Barbara L. Fielder

As a mother-in-law, or a would-be mother-in-law or a former mother-in-law, this no-nonsense practical how-to book has merit. You can select from one of the five essential steps for building a loving relationship or read the fast-paced chapters from beginning to end.

The author focuses her attention on being a mother-in-law to her son’s new wife, Amanda. However, I believe you will find solid suggestions and self-reflection when focusing on building a positive relationship with your daughter’s new husband.

The five essential steps are:

1. Hold your tongue (Let them find their own way)

2. Embrace Her! (But give her room to breathe)

3. Keep Out (Or at least call first)

4. Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (They’ll start a family when
they’re ready)

5. Be a Role Model (By having a life independent of theirs)

What I like about this book is that the author has done her research. She offers advice from the experts, she surfed the web for real-life scenarios in which daughter-in-laws weighed in on their great, good and not-so-good mother-in-law experiences. In addition, the author’s anecdotal comments and personal stories are woven nicely into the fabric of the book making it an interesting read.
This compact book is a worthwhile resource and can be a valuable on-going reference.

Armchair Interviews agrees.

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