A strong emotional response is natural when you have a disrespectful daughter-in-law in your life. But responding with knee-jerk reactions won’t help.
For the sake of your relationship with your son and grandchildren, give yourself a chance to calm down. Once you stop seeing ready, you can prepare a rational response that could improve the situation.
Here are some tips for improving your relationship with your daughter-in-law:
- Respect her position of authority in her household and over her children.
- Avoid arguing with her.
- Don’t try to force your son to take your side.
- Extend to her the warmth and love that you would give your own daughter.
- Be patient because a trusting relationship takes time to build.
Why Is My Daughter-In-Law So Disengaged and Distant?
She might be disengaged and distant because she doesn’t like you, but that isn’t usually the reason.
Your daughter-in-law can feel intimidated and nervous around you, especially if she is young. It isn’t because you’ve done anything wrong but that she doesn’t want to make a misstep.
If the couple is newly married, your DIL may be trying to figure out her place in the family, and the best way for her to do that is to be reserved. With time, she’ll likely open up and engage with your more. Give her time and try to make her feel comfortable.
How Do I Know If My Daughter-In-Law is Toxic?
We hope you don’t find this to be the case, but if you’re wondering — she may very well be toxic. Look for these behaviors and if she has them consistently:
- Manipulative
- Passive-Aggressive
- Controlling
- Dishonest
- Blaming
- Critical
- Self-Centered
- Easy to anger
