September 05, 2016

Sad news

September 05, 2016/ Lisa Carpenter

I have written about my mother-in-law many times since starting Grandma's Briefs in 2009, posts such as this one, this one, and this one.

My mother-in-law, whom I usually call Granny as that was the name my daughters — and oodles of other grands and unrelated children — best knew her by, was a shining light in my life, pretty much the best example to me of loving unconditionally, finding joy in joyless situations, and loving Jesus with all one's heart and soul.

January 14, 2015

Once more through my mother-in-law's window

January 14, 2015/ Lisa Carpenter

"Think for a minute, darling: in fairy tales it's always the children who have the fine adventures. The mothers have to stay at home and wait for the children to fly in the window."
― Audrey Niffenegger, The Time Traveler's Wife

Jim and I, along with Brianna and Andrea, drove to South Dakota Sunday to attend...

May 08, 2014

8 types of mothers-in-law kept out of the loop by their children (Guest post)

May 08, 2014/ Lisa Carpenter

Dear readers: Please enjoy this guest post from Miriam Hendeles of Bubby Joys and Oys, who offered to share her thoughts (and photos) while I'm away at the Life@50+ conference in Boston.
Thank you, Miriam! ~Lisa

You're a well-meaning grandmother, not a demanding bully who gives your adult kids...

November 07, 2013

Do's and don'ts for getting along with your daughter-in-law

November 07, 2013/ Lisa Carpenter

tips for getting along with a daughter-in-law

I don't have a daughter-in-law. As I have three daughters and no sons, odds are against me ever having one. I'm okay with that, happy about that, even.

I was recently assigned an article for Grandparents.com on why I'm happy I don't have a daughter-in-law. You can find that article here (along with some not-so-nice comments, too, from readers who apparently didn't like my words... or me... at all).

While researching that article, I had the opportunity to glean some grand advice from Tina B. Tessina, PhD, (aka “Dr. Romance”) psychotherapist and author of The Ten Smartest Decisions a Woman Can Make After Forty. See, I thought the combative relationships between some MILs and DILs were related to overprotective, over possessive, over controlling mothers. Umm, mothers like myself, I admit (which is one big reason I'm glad I don't have a DIL). Tessina told me otherwise and offered tips for those grandmas struggling to right a wobbly relationship.