When my son married his wonderful wife seven years ago, I told him from that day on he should put his wife first. His father and I raised him to be a good man and a loving husband and father, and I told him that every day he should wake up and ask himself what he could do to make her day great.
These are the things I do and don't do when visiting my daughter-in-law and son:
- Don't complain.
- Don't criticize.
- Always do the dishes after meals.
- Help in any way I can to reduce her workload.
- Don't intrude on their special times.
- Don't offer advice unless asked and then be very careful not to offend.
- Include her in all emails sent to my son.
- Recognize her good qualities and let her know.
- Tell my son how lucky he is to have her as his wife.
- Realize that it's not about me - it's about them.
- Recognize that she has a family whom she loves very much.
- Don't intrude or be jealous of their special time.
- Don't be selfish when it comes to sharing holidays and vacations.
- Realize that the best thing I can for my son is to treat my daughter-in-law as I would have liked my husband's mother to have treated me.
I don't claim to be perfect, but I try my best to adhere to these guidelines. My daughter-in-law is a precious gift to our son and to our entire family, and we are grateful to have her in our lives.
Jane
