How to Cope With an Overbearing In‐Law

Last Updated: December 15, 2022 References

If you have an overbearing in-law, you might struggle with how to handle the matter without creating problems with your spouse or your family as a whole. Before addressing the issue with your in-laws, have a candid discussion with your spouse to figure out your boundaries. Then, have a conversation with your in-laws about the problem. Adjust your expectations and find ways of avoiding problems moving forward to improve interactions with your in-laws.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Communicating with Your Spouse

1
Gain control of your temper first. If you’re upset about a situation that recently occurred, take some time to blow off steam before talking to your spouse about it. Initiating this conversation when you’re emotional may not get you the results you desire. Wait until you’re calm.
- To manage anger or frustration, go for a walk around the block. Do some light stretches. Or take several deep breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth.
2
Tell your spouse how you feel using “I” statements. Pull your spouse aside once you’re calm and explain the situation. This can be a tough predicament since your spouse may feel torn between you and their parents. Avoid coming off as accusatory by using “I” statements.^{[1]
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- You might say something like, “I feel helpless when your mother comes over and brings the kids candy. I have asked her not to, but she keeps doing it.”
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3
Get on the same team. Discussing difficult matters regarding family can create tension. However, if you and your spouse can’t get on the same page, you’ll have a hard time getting your in-law to change their behavior. Remember that you both want the same things—to live your life without being controlled by your in-law.^{[2]
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- Stay focused on the common ground between you to avoid a rift. You should approach your in-law about the issue as a unified front.
- Keep the issues happening with your in-law separate from your relationship with your spouse. Don’t blame your spouse for their parent’s behavior.
4
Clarify your boundaries. After you’ve shared your feelings about your overbearing in-law, take an objective approach. Take a step back and get a clearer view of the situation. What's happening that you don't want to happen? What needs to happen to make the situation better?^{[3]
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- For instance, you both agree that your mother-in-law needs to respect your parenting decisions whenever she’s in your home. Therefore, you might create a boundary stating that.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Sharing Your Boundaries

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Let your spouse take the lead. When it comes time to discussing the matter with your in-law, follow your spouse’s lead. It’s their family and they know how to bring up the topic in the most appropriate way.^{[4]
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- During a disagreement, request that your spouse lead the charge. Of course, you can take part in the discussion, just let them broach the subject with their family first before saying your part. Your in-laws will probably feel less attacked by your spouse.
2
Be assertive when communicating your boundaries. Have your spouse voice the boundaries you have decided are important to you. Do so calmly and assertively, without backing down or negotiating.
- Your spouse might say something like, “Dad, we’re not interested in having the children baptized. We want to wait until they’re older and let them decide on their religious beliefs. Please respect our decision.”
3
Pick your battles. When it comes to family, you’ll have to learn how to choose your battles based on what’s most important. Don’t go to war with your spouse or their family about every single issue that arises. Let some minor issues slide in order to focus on the bigger issues.^{[5]
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- For example, you might overlook the fact that your sister-in-law gave your children soda (which is typically off-limits) just once. However, if she lets your children watch violent or offensive movies, you might have a word with her about it.
4
Don’t waver on your boundaries. While you might overlook minor problems, stand firm on what matters the most. If you have communicated a boundary to your in-laws and it’s violated, enforce the boundary by setting consequences.^{[6]
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- For example, if your sister-in-law lets your children watch inappropriate movies again, you might set the consequence that she is no longer able to spend time with them if you or your spouse are not present.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Improving the Relationship

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Be realistic. Adjust your expectations. By doing so, you can drastically improve your interactions with your in-laws and reduce your own frustration. If you keep expecting them to behave a certain way, you set yourself up for disappointment.^{[7]
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- Accept the fact that your in-laws are different from you. Keep in mind that your in-laws are probably also different from your spouse—just like you may differ from your parents. It’s okay to disagree.
EXPERT TIP

Klare Heston, LCSW
Licensed Social Worker
Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR).

Klare Heston, LCSW
Licensed Social Worker

Look for common ground. Social worker Klare Heston says, “Keep in mind that you and your in-laws both love the same person and try to build a bond on that as the years move forward. It can take a long time, so be patient with them and yourself.”
2
Avoid their triggers. For some in-laws, overbearing behavior follows a specific pattern. Maybe they interfere when you don’t give them a role or a voice. Maybe they act overly controlling when you seem like you don’t need them. Try to identify a probable cause behind the overbearing behavior. In the future, avoid these triggers to minimize their need to be overbearing.^{[8]
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3
Stop seeking their approval. If you want to have a civil relationship with your in-laws, you have to let go of the desire to please them. Approval-seeking will only lead to you biting your tongue when the overbearing behaviors occur and resenting them later. If you drop the need to get their approval, you will feel more comfortable discussing problems and finding solutions.^{[9]
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4
Find ways of coping with anger or stress. You and your in-laws are bound to butt heads. Be sure to devise healthy ways of coping with the anger or frustration you feel when their overbearing behaviors take place. Losing your cool won’t make family matters smoother, so turn to more adaptive coping strategies.^{[10]
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- Examples of coping strategies might include calling an unbiased friend to vent, getting some exercise, or doing soothing exercises like progressive muscle relaxation.
- You might also consider taking some time for yourself during their visit and letting your spouse spend time with them without you.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you deal with a monster in law?

Klare Heston, LCSW
Licensed Social Worker
Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR).

Klare Heston, LCSW

Licensed Social Worker

Expert Answer

If it is that bad, you might consider not having him or her stay in your home if your spouse is willing to take that stand.
Question

How do you deal with a difficult in-law?

Klare Heston, LCSW
Licensed Social Worker
Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR).

Klare Heston, LCSW

Licensed Social Worker

Expert Answer

Try not to fall into the usual 'traps' or repetitive comments/arguments. Keep your cool; don't get defensive. Have clear boundaries. If something is absolutely a "no," have the closest family member to the difficult person be the one to talk with them, for example, your husband rather than yourself if it is one of his parents.
Question

How do you deal with a disrespectful mother in law?

Klare Heston, LCSW
Licensed Social Worker
Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR).

Klare Heston, LCSW

Licensed Social Worker

Expert Answer

One of the comments you can make is: "I'm sorry you see it that way. I see it differently. We can agree to disagree." Try not to fall into the trap of becoming upset or defensive.