• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Because dads don’t always think like moms™

  • Dad
    • Celebrities
    • Gay Dads
    • Sex
    • Single Dads
  • Pregnancy
    • Labor or Delivery
    • Pregnant Wife
  • Baby
    • Baby Naming
    • Feeding
    • Sleep
    • Toilet Training
  • Kids
  • Teens
  • Activities
    • Local
    • By Age
    • Movie Reviews
    • Celebrations
  • Toys
    • We Recommend
    • Toys
  • Coaching for Dads
  • Great Dad Talks Podcast
You are here: Home / Dad / How to deal with people who hate you: Your mother-in-law

How to deal with people who hate you: Your mother-in-law

August 11, 2010 by James Dunsford Leave a Comment

You tried to make a good impression over the years. Opening doors, reaching (half-heartedly) for your wallet when the check arrives at restaurants, being right there in the delivery room (you were almost on time) when your first child was born. But for some reason, your mother-in-law just never warmed to you.

If you and your wife’s mother have a contentious relationship, you’re not alone. But, commiserating with your buddies via text message can only console a man for so long.

If she has a tendency to come in, set up shop and call the shots during what is supposed to be the best few weeks of the year, here are a few ways to keep yourself occupied and out of the house for the duration of her summer visit.

1. Hibernate. Claim that the heat is affecting your health, and insist on spending most evenings and weekends camped out in your air-conditioned man cave or garage, watching baseball and MTV reality shows, and eating Hot Pockets.

2. Threaten divorce every June. Keep your wife on her toes and your mother-in-law on her best behavior by airing all of your marital grievances before grandma even sets down her bags. Just expect to make up for it all fall, winter and spring.

3. Insist that it’s high time that the kids learn wilderness survival techniques and set up a tent in the backyard complete with an extension cord for the mini-fridge, subwoofers for your laptop and satellite reception.

4. Fake an injury. Whether you need to stage an impromptu game of HORSE in the driveway or insist on a friendly game of catch in the yard, once the game is underway, loudly claiming a sprained ankle, a twisted knee or a sore back will allow you to get out of most family outings for the season, if you play your cards right.

5. Claim you’re allergic to her perfume, CBS programming, crossword puzzles, bad cooking and criticism. The tent is likely to come in handy if you attempt this approach as well.ADNFCR-1662-ID-19909864-ADNFCR

Filed Under: Dad

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Great Dad Talks

Great Dad Talks
Great Dad Talks

Great Dad Talks is a series of conversations with experts on all aspects of the family adventure. With the perspective that “dads don’t always think like moms,” our mission is to support dad voices and our slightly different approaches to parenting. We’ll try to find solutions to every day challenges like getting kids off the couch and making STEM classes available for both boys and girls. But we’ll also tackle bigger issues when they come. The one main theme will be to support dads in the most important role of their lives that of being a great dad. Connect with us at greatdad.com and watch the video version of these podcasts at YouTube.com/greatdadnews

149. Winning College Applications with Hamada Zahawi
byPaul Banas

In this episode of Great Dad Talks, I sit down with admissions expert Hamada Zahawi to discuss everything parents and students need to know about getting into great colleges and universities. Whether you’re aiming for undergraduate, business, or law school, Hamada shares honest, practical advice on navigating the admissions process, finding financial aid, crafting compelling essays, and the power of authentic storytelling.

Check out Hamada’s website at writetrackadmissions.com

Visit these links and embark on the path to becoming the best parent you can be:

– GreatDad.com/coaching 

– GreatDad.com/pq 

– Gratitude course: bit.ly/3NMLDNC  

50% off for podcast listeners with code PODCAST50

149. Winning College Applications with Hamada Zahawi
149. Winning College Applications with Hamada Zahawi
June 10, 2025
Paul Banas
148. Healing Generational Trauma with Dr. Sasha Reiisi
June 3, 2025
Paul Banas
147. Discovering Dad’s Purpose with Adam Landrum
May 27, 2025
Paul Banas
146. Balancing Business and Family with Dr. Travis Parry
May 20, 2025
Paul Banas
145. Understanding Children’s Emotional Needs with Dr. David Marcus
May 13, 2025
Paul Banas
144. Exploring Mindful Fatherhood with Odeani Mc Bean
May 6, 2025
Paul Banas
143. Overcoming Dad Burnout with Scott Anderson
April 29, 2025
Paul Banas
142. Building Resilient Kids with Dr. Richard Oelberger
April 24, 2025
Paul Banas
141. Exploring Men’s Sexual Health with Dr. Elliot Justin
April 22, 2025
Paul Banas
140. Instilling Values and Financial Literacy with Barclay Roper
April 15, 2025
Paul Banas
Search Results placeholder

More to See

Balancing Business and Family with Dr. Travis Parry

May 20, 2025 By Paul Banas

Understanding Children’s Emotional Needs with Dr. David Marcus

May 21, 2025 By Paul Banas

Copyright © 2025 . GreatDad