25 More Things Your Mother-in-Law Won't Tell You

When your son sees your name on called ID, he doesn't always answer. Don't volunteer to babysit and then cancel at the last minute. Repeatedly. Your house is always so clean - what a wonderful housekeeper you are!

Your son wouldn't call you if I didn't remind him. Your son really doesn't want to have dinner with you weekly. Your cooking stinks. "Family vacation" means him, me and our children unless otherwise specified. He never remembers Mother's Day or your birthday-I do. If you've got something to say to me, just say it. Don't put him in the middle. Leaving your Mother's Day gift behind at my house and then acting like you never received one, does not encourage me to buy you more.

It's not that I don't want you to give gifts or appreciate the piles and piles of toys you give for every little occasion....but I can honestly tell you that maybe 30% ever get played with again after the first few weeks. On top of that, what really makes me nervous is knowing that you have very little saved for your future..please take care of yourself first.

You raised a boy into a man who is strong, hard-working, thoughtful and compassionate -- I feel grateful and lucky to reap those rewards, and hope that I can do the same for another lucky woman someday.

Your son has fiscal, emotional and physical responsibilities as a husband and as a father of small children. We need him to put us first. But that doesn't automatically make you unimportant or obsolete.

You are the only one who thinks you have to compete with my mother. I have two grandmothers. I love them both without comparison. I know your grandchildren are capable of this, too.

When you visit us for the weekend, it would be really swell if you didn't complain about how uncomfortable the mattress is and tell us to purchase a foam pad to make it better.

You spent a couple decades being the leading lady... dealing with your own mother-in-law. You've told me the stories. I guess it's easy to forget how the old shoes fit once you're in new ones. When I get criticism from my own mother, I can fight back and defend myself. But in your case, I have to keep my mouth zipped or my husband will get mad at me for disrespecting you.

Thank you for the son you've entrusted to me. You did a wonderful job showing him how to love and respect me. Forgive me for not telling you how much I appreciate this.

Please don't come into our home and take over. I may do some things differently than you do, but it works for us and it's OUR house. There is a new woman in your son's life. ASK before taking action - PLEASE.