AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE for ONE of LIFE’S MOST CHALLENGING ROLES

Life as a Mother-in-Law is an essential guide to understanding the complexities and emotional pitfalls of being a mother-in-law, a role almost every woman takes sometime in her life. We all hate the stereotype and are determined not to fall into it, but it isn't that simple. Through historic perspective and the captivating personal stories of dozens of women, the authors discuss why a child's marriage brings joy but also deep feelings of loss-feelings that can spawn the “monster-in-law” lurking within us all.

I became a mother-in-law recently and was surprised how overwhelming the changes felt. Having raised my son (and only child) mostly as a single mom, I'm probably a prime candidate for monsterdom. Now I have a shield in this powerful book. I keep it close and refer to it often.
The lesson is to love through balance and harmony, stepping back, letting go, and cherishing the trade-off-freedom to follow my own somewhat neglected dreams and goals. Healthy relationships and self- nurturing- and written as if two highly trained professional women moved into the neighborhood and offered you advice across the kitchen
table. This book is a treasure.

—Kathryn Jordan, author

*****

After reading “Life As A Mother-in-Law” I decided that it should be required reading for every mother when her child marries. A time of change, and for many women, pain and upheaval, this book offers clearly written practical advice, profound insights and sensible cautions to help them deal with the problems, frustrations and concerns they experience in life as a mother-in-law. I sent a copy of the book to my daughter-in-law to help her prepare for her upcoming new role as a mother-in-law herself, and because I believe it may also
help her understand me better.

—Esther Goldsen

*****

I was immediately drawn to the cover of the book-calm and inviting. Life as a Mother-in-Law is a detailed map through what can be difficult terrain especially for the mothers of sons. The authors, who are psychologists and mothers-in law, collected the real stories of dozens of women to explore the challenges that often arise as families blend and grandchildren arrive. This book provides useful strategies that encourage positive relationships as well as specific steps to help each one of us as individuals to develop an interesting and fulfilling rest of our lives. I am following some of these suggestions and have been surprised by what I have discovered about myself and my personal priorities. I appreciate the practical and honest approach of this book. I highly recommend it.

—Karen Crawford

*****

Although I have not had the opportunity to experience the in-law role, I was delighted to read Life as a Mother-in-Law. The authors of this book have done extensive research on in-law relationships, and in a clear and enjoyable writing style, have presented valuable information on how to deal with many of these complex issues. They address topics such as respect, boundaries, communication, etc. which help to further understanding and enhance relationships. Reading this served as a good reminder about skills that are useful in every day encounters. We can always use a relationship tune up!

Any member of the family can benefit from reading this book as they will gain the perspective of others and will be given tools that benefit any relationship. I am confident that Life as a Mother-in-Law would serve as a welcome gift to both the newlyweds and parents who are entering the in-law role.

—Dorothy Berntson

*****

Girlfriends. We rely on our girlfriends for practical advice. We have done this throughout our lives. As children, as teens, as newlyweds and as mothers. Life as a Mother-in-Law is a well written book that made me feel like I was sitting in a room with my girlfriends discussing the next passage in life. Being a mother-in-law. The short stories, experiences and advice shared in this easy to read book, feels like a support team bringing me to the next stage. This book is a "must read" for potential and new mother-in laws. I have shared this book with my girlfriends who are entering the next stage and it has been greatly appreciated.

—H. Starr

*****

I loved this book! It provided simple, realistic, effective advice for any mother -in -law. The authors share insight,understanding ,compassion regarding the role of the mother -in -law. They do not "leave you hanging" with great information but no solutions. The solutions are the best part of the book. I have given ,with confidence, the gift of this book(with their permission)to friends. If you desire to be a great mother -in -law or just want to understand this new role I highly recommend Life As A Mother-In-Law.

—A. Hunt

*****

This book is fun, easy-to-read and full of practical advice. There is nothing here that you haven't heard before. But, it's presented in a way that makes it very useful. After lots of interviews, the authors took situations that we can all relate to and gave solutions that make sense. It helped me understand the feelings I'm going through as my son prepares to get married.

I don't feel like I have Mother-in-Law issues, but, I will re-read this book several times just to keep in touch with the practical advice that is given. And, I will definitely buy copies to give as wedding presents to the new Mother-in-Law!

—Linda Gurasich

*****

As a new mother-in-law to my daughter's husband, I purchased this book to build on our relationship. However, as I read more and more of the book, I began to become aware the basic tenets and solutions provided could also be applied to my relationship with my own daughter.

I learned how to develop better communication skills and reasonable expectations regarding the role I played with both my daughter and her husband. I appreciated learning the positive ways to pose questions so they're non-threatening and non-judgmental. Volunteering, but not-overstepping boundaries concerning their home rules and care for my granddaughter were important principles about which to be reminded.

The book is a wonderful guide that should be picked up and reread on a regular basis.

—L. Griego

*****

She has been the brunt of many a tasteless (and often, cruel) joke; sometimes deemed a meddler and a know-it-all; sometimes made out to be needy and intrusive: she is the mother-in-law. Licensed Educational Psychologist, Olivia Slaughter, and Marriage, Family Therapist, Jean Kubelun have written Life as a Mother-in Law to increase understanding of in-law families and offer a view of these occasionally troubled relationships from the inside-out. Their hope is that as they foster awareness they also offer support for the mother-in-law who may be struggling to find ways to keep communication open, find boundaries that work and honor her commitment to family without appearing overbearing.

Contained in each chapter are the true accounts of practiced relationship approaches; models that are healthy and work well, and those that have had tragic results. Slaughter and Kubelin point out constructive and destructive behaviors, so learning will occur and healing is possible. The pain that comes from broken familial ties—when communication is severed—produces alienation and isolation and is certainly worth every effort to avoid. Life as a Mother-in-Law explains with compassion, how to make the most of changing relationships and how to employ the crucial act of letting go.

—Melinda Cianos, Feb.9, 2009, "Boomer Women's World"

Paperback, $15.95
ISBN: 978-159858-451-6
200 pages

Available at fine bookstores everywhere