Last month was my sons birthday. I told him Id drop by as a guest.
I raised three boys. Anyone whos lived with four men in the house knows exactly what I mean. I cant fathom how a home can have no dinner ready, or things strewn about the place. Now, at 52, Ive always believed a woman should create a home thats comfortable and safe for a man to return to. But I doubt my daughter-in-law sees it the same way.
My eldest son married two years ago, and nine months later, they had a daughter. He was 28, his wife 20. Emily was still at university, but the eight-year gap didnt seem to bother my son.
During her pregnancy, Emily was difficultconstantly sending my son out for things. First apples in the morning, then oranges, then flowers. He never argued, always obliged. We thought things would settle after the baby came, but they didnt.
She breastfed for two months, and that was it. Then she told my son she was exhausted from sleepless nights and needed a break. My sons always been patient, so he asked me to step in. Of course, I couldnt refuse.
While I looked after the baby, Emily spent her days at spas and salons. When she came home, she couldnt even be bothered to cook dinner for my son after work. In the end, I stayed with their daughter the entire week. Emily got used to sleeping till noon, living entirely on her own terms. She left everything to me.
After a month, I cracked and said I had to go home. Emily was livid. I knew she wasnt ready to cope alone, so I visited now and thenbut what I saw didnt sit right. The house was a mess, the fridge empty.
She couldnt even muster the effort to cook for her own child. Having raised three sons myself, such irresponsibility was beyond me. My son always had home-cooked meals. Last month, for his birthday, I visited, assuming Emily would cook. Instead, she ordered pizza and sushi.
I cant understand why my son tolerates this. Maybe because they never lived together before marriagehe never saw her true colours. Its hard on him, yet he stays silent.
Im trying to think of a way to make her act like a proper wife and mother. My only fear is my son resenting me for it. I know I should support his choices, but standing by while this happens? Unthinkable. Are all daughters-in-law like this?
What would you advise? Should I speak to Emily? Its a lesson in holding your tonguebut some things just cant be ignored.
