We’ve always heard of the monster in laws. But why succumb to the stereotype when you can prove it wrong?

Curb the jealousy. It’s natural for parents to feel a nasty tug of jealousy when they see their children giving priority to another person. It’s fine, until you start doing something about it. Whoever your children choose to marry means a lot to them. If you start on throwing poison daggers, you’re not just aiming them at the “outsiders,” but to your children as well. Would you really want to arrive at the point where your children would have to choose between their spouse and you? Would you really want to find out their answer?

Think of them as your own children. Instead of feeling like you’ve lost a child, why not think of it as gaining a new one? Do your best to get to know them for who they are. You’ll be surprised at how much things in common you may actually have with them. But you’ll never know this if you stubbornly refuse to get to know them better.

Make the first step. What’s with the, “They should come to me first” attitude? Enough of that. If you sense that your children in law are a bit wary or conscious, then be the better person and extend that warm welcoming embrace.