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Parent-in-law

society Maturity 11-13 Next article →

A parent-in-law is a person you join to a family through marriage. They are the parents of your spouse. This connection is called a legal affinity. This means you are related by law rather than by blood. All these family members are called in-laws. Together, they form a group known as the in-laws.

Guerre contre le Paraguay - L'Emperur de Brésil et seus deux gendres, le Duc de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha et le Comte D'Eu, au camp D'Alegrete (D'après un dessin de M. Maximo Alvès)
Guerre contre le Paraguay - L'Emperur de Brésil et seus deux gendres, le Duc de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha et le Comte D'Eu, au camp D'Alegrete (D'après un dessin de M. Maximo Alvès)

There are different names for these family members. A father-in-law is the father of your spouse. A mother-in-law is the mother of your spouse. You are a child-in-law to their parents. If your spouse has siblings, those people are your siblings-in-law. Two men can be co-fathers-in-law to each other. This happens if they are fathers-in-law to each other's children. Two women can be co-mothers-in-law. If there are grandchildren, they can be called co-grandmothers.

Guerre contre le Paraguay - L'Emperur de Brésil et seus deux gendres, le Duc de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha et le Comte D'Eu, au camp D'Alegrete (D'après un dessin de M. Maximo Alvès)
Guerre contre le Paraguay - L'Emperur de Brésil et seus deux gendres, le Duc de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha et le Comte D'Eu, au camp D'Alegrete (D'après un dessin de M. Maximo Alvès)

Different cultures have unique ways of handling these ties. Some Australian Aboriginal languages use something called avoidance speech. These are special sub-languages. People use them when they are near certain taboo relatives. The mother-in-law is a common person to use this with. In homes, you might find a mother-in-law suite. This is a set of guest rooms inside a family home. It is used for members of the extended family to stay.

Guerre contre le Paraguay - L'Emperur de Brésil et seus deux gendres, le Duc de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha et le Comte D'Eu, au camp D'Alegrete (D'après un dessin de M. Maximo Alvès)
Guerre contre le Paraguay - L'Emperur de Brésil et seus deux gendres, le Duc de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha et le Comte D'Eu, au camp D'Alegrete (D'après un dessin de M. Maximo Alvès)

In popular culture, these relationships are often shown in funny ways. Many jokes use a stereotype of a mother-in-law. These jokes often show her as bossy or unfriendly. They might say she is nosy or overbearing. Some people even call her the bane of a husband. However, real life is often more complex than a joke. In-laws can be a wonderful source of support. They can act as a found family for partners. This is helpful if someone is not close to their own family.

Guerre contre le Paraguay - L'Emperur de Brésil et seus deux gendres, le Duc de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha et le Comte D'Eu, au camp D'Alegrete (D'après un dessin de M. Maximo Alvès)
Guerre contre le Paraguay - L'Emperur de Brésil et seus deux gendres, le Duc de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha et le Comte D'Eu, au camp D'Alegrete (D'après un dessin de M. Maximo Alvès)

Relationships with in-laws can sometimes lead to conflict. This might happen because of jealousy or competition. People may also have different expectations. Some believe bad relationships with in-laws hurt a marriage. However, research shows something different. The amount of connection to in-laws does not change marriage success. Success often depends on how the couple handles disagreements. If the two spouses are not on the same page, it causes problems. It is about how the children-in-law manage their own conflicts.

Guerre contre le Paraguay - L'Emperur de Brésil et seus deux gendres, le Duc de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha et le Comte D'Eu, au camp D'Alegrete (D'après un dessin de M. Maximo Alvès)
Guerre contre le Paraguay - L'Emperur de Brésil et seus deux gendres, le Duc de Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha et le Comte D'Eu, au camp D'Alegrete (D'après un dessin de M. Maximo Alvès)
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