June 2009 Amish Problem
The following problem question is posted in the June 2009 issue of Family Life. To subscribe, send $12.00 (US) to Pathway Publishers, Route 4, Aylmer, Ontario, Canada, N5H 2R3
Note – Three answers to the April question, from Family Life, have been posted in the answers section of A Real Amish Question.
Next Problem
The thing I have been secretly dreading for years is now in front of me. I am about to become a mother-in-law.
It is my heart’s desire to have a loving and peaceful relationship with my son’s wife. Yet I’m not sure I know how. So often there is tension between in-laws, especially between the mother and daughter-in-law. What causes this? Why is the mother-in-law often regarded as a thron-in-the-flesh? (Or it can be vice versa)
While I do not want to be a meddling, overbearing mother-in-law, neither do I want to cut myself completely out of the lives of my son and his wife. Can those with less than peaceful relationships tell me what I shouldn’t do? Also, those who have peace between them, what does your “mother” do that makes you fell loved and accepted?
Is it okay for a mother-in-law to offer advice at any time? Or should she (no matter what) stay out of it?
– Wanting peace
Editor’s note — I believe this has the potential to be a very helpful discussion. Let’s hear from all of you who have had experience, both positive and negative. Is there a special pitfall if in-laws live on the same property and rub shoulders every day? How can trust and understanding be built up rather than undermined?
