Dear Massi, We're having some financial problems and my husband says the only way to make ends meet is if we move back into his parents house for a year or so.

I know things are difficult with money and I know we will save so much by not paying bills and a mortgage, but I just don't want to move in with his parents.

My relationship with his parents has always been difficult, especially his mum. We have never liked each other.

His mum is always criticising how I raise my kids and what I feed them and how I discipline them.

If I'm living there, it will just be so much worse as it will be happening all the time.

I am worried this is going to cause me a lot of mental strain.

I know what my husband is like. He won't ever say anything to his mum as he says he is so grateful they are letting us move back in with them.

I don't know what to do. 


Massi says, Living with in-laws certainly requires a degree of compromise and understanding from all parties involved.

In your case, the situation is not ideal but a short term necessity.

Rather than worrying about hypothetical arguements with your mother-in-law, look at this as a temporary arrangement.

In the case of your mother-in-law being critical of your child rearing abilities, why not include her or ask her for advice to let her feel included.

This may soften her approach towards you.

Try and put any previous ill feeling behind you. 

You are moving into their home-if you invited people to stay with you, you would expect a level of courtesy from them.