MOTHER-IN-LAW PROBLEMS vs SOLUTIONS
Visitation
Rights
You just
can't seem to keep 'Mother' out of your life these days. Every time that you
turn around, she's either at your front door or in your living room. And she
doesn't ever come to see you - rather to see her darling, perfect offspring.
So what's
an in-law to do?
Grant
visitation rights - that's what!
If Mother
is intent on running in without notice, then it may be time to ask your spouse
to make time for Mother. After all, she doesn't come to visit you. While you
are busy fetching her refreshments, your spouse is hee-hawing with Mother in
the living room.
Suggest
that your spouse treat Mother to dinner - just a one-on-one affair. And for
gosh sake's, don't act offended. After all, this is what YOU want! Some
peace and quiet time.
By your spouse showing Mother a bit of special attention,
she might consider it of more value if it occurs outside your home. Also, you
are removing the home-association/offspring connection from her mind.
Think
of it like this... You should never read in bed because before you know what's
happened, you are drifting off to sleep. You should never fight in the bedroom,
because you will associate fighting with that room -just as you will a book
with sleep. Mother may associate her offspring with your home. If she begins
to associate her offspring in a public setting or a controlled setting, she'll
be more apt to watch the clock.
Do try
to give some lead-way regarding this matter because Mother obviously loves her
offspring a great deal to want to spend so much time with them. But this is
an iffy area, because too much time is not healthy for your offspring, or for
Mother.
If Mother
is taking too much time up with your spouse and you feel neglected, well...that's
another story.
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