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- My mother-in-law moved in with us and helps with childcare and household chores. It’s the best decision we’ve ever made. (businessinsider.com)
Local Family Finds Happiness and Harmony with Live-In Mother-in-Law
A local family, who previously grappled with the demands of a new city and demanding careers, has found renewed balance and joy thanks to an unexpected, yet incredibly welcome, addition to their household: the author’s mother-in-law.
Seven years ago, a job opportunity prompted the author, her husband, and their two young children to relocate over a thousand miles away. This move, while professionally beneficial, meant leaving behind all extended family and a crucial support system.
The absence of local family made everyday tasks, from finding affordable childcare to grocery shopping, a constant struggle. The author candidly shared that she and her husband often felt more like roommates than partners, with date nights becoming a distant memory.
However, a glimmer of hope arrived annually in the form of the author’s mother-in-law. For one month each year, her visits transformed their chaotic household into a haven of order and connection.
The mother-in-law would care for the children, allowing the couple much-needed time together, and even tackle household chores. These visits became a lifeline, reminding the family of the joy and ease they could experience.
As the children grew, these visits became even more crucial, with the mother-in-law assisting with homework, extracurricular activities, and providing emotional support. The author noted that her mother-in-law reminded her that she was “more than a worker or mother” and consistently affirmed her as a “good mom.” The emotional goodbyes at the end of each visit underscored the family’s deep reliance on her presence.
The breaking point arrived recently with a new, demanding job for the author, increased travel for her husband, and an increasingly busy schedule for their daughters. Facing financial strain and the emotional toll of constant juggling, the author posed a life-changing question to her husband: “What if your mom moved in?”
Initially, doubts arose, as the mother-in-law had spent her entire life in a small coastal California town. However, upon hearing about the author’s struggles with depression, the girls missing out on activities, and concerns about her marriage, the mother-in-law made a decisive offer: “If you want me there, I’ll move in.”
Four months after the move, the family unequivocally calls it “the best decision we’ve ever made.” The mother-in-law’s presence has brought a myriad of benefits: a dedicated cheering section for the children’s games, a consistently spotless home, and home-cooked dinners after late work nights. She even bakes protein muffins to ensure the author doesn’t skip breakfast.
Beyond the practical assistance, the mother-in-law is actively integrating into her new community, considering art classes, volunteering, or even a part-time job. She’s also sharing family history and teaching the girls to crochet, fostering deeper connections.
The family enjoys “Survivor” nights, and the author and her daughters are re-watching “Gilmore Girls” together. Even the author’s husband, who had previously endured the series, is experiencing a lighter mood and greater freedom to run errands.
While cohabitation naturally brings occasional minor adjustments, the author expresses profound gratitude for their multigenerational home. She emphasizes her love for the arrangement and her mother-in-law’s willingness to make it all possible.