Monster in Law Coming in MAY

M.,

First of all, no amount of drugs or pills will make any situation better and this is not the way you want your kids to see you handling things. I would never recommend anyone taking medication to get rid of any type of problem, especially one as small as in-laws coming over. This is just an excuse to "pop" pills. Your kids will see this, and trust me they'll know you're not yourself, and encourage the same kind of behavior. Is this the way you want your children to handle their problems? Then I suggest you find a different "out".

If you really need something to relax you, try drinking a glass of wine. Not only is a glass a day good for your heart, but it helps relax the body and the mind also. Limit yourself to one or two glasses. Drinking your in-laws away is not the answer either. Again, it will be sending your kids the wrong message as to how to deal with situations.

If you can handle three boys, you can handle in-laws. Not for nothing, but these are your husbands parents. It is not your responsibility to entertain them the entire time they are staying with you. Make him take them out and about so you can have some down time too. My boyfriend left me to take care of his mother for a month and I nearly pushed her in front of a moving vehicle on purpose...I couldn't take her anymore. Now, when she comes to visit, I make her either stay at a hotel or make my man be there for her every beck and call. I have my own parents to care for. I don't mind a family night here and there, but don't expect me to be their entertainment the whole time.

Something cheap in Waterbury? That shouldn't be too hard. Take them to the mall to walk before it opens. Take them to Bingo. It's long and fun and something your kids would enjoy too. Bake cookies with them and the kids. Go for a walk/hike. There are some beautiful parks close by......Southford Falls? Up the street there's a home made ice cream place. You could take them to feed ducks with the kids. Always try to bring the kids with you on outings.....it'll help keep them smiling and entertained....yet keep you from having to talk to them much. Invite some friends over. Play some games or rent a DVD.

Remember, you're not the only person in the world with horrible in-laws. Other women deal and cope without alcohol and pills, so stop making excuses, suck it up, and deal with it.

One other suggestion.....buy a translator or go to Babelfish.com. Obviously, you're stuck with them, it might smooth things over a little if they see you attempting to learn their language.

Good Luck!!!

J.

Talk your doctor about the meds. Because of different situations & physiologies, any advice you may get here may not apply to you. I know several people that have taken these & other types of meds. They were different reasons & they had different reactions. You may also want to supplement prescription meds with herbal remedies & relaxation techniques.
As for the entertaining, try looking at ctnow.com (Hartford Courant website) for events taking place around the state for may - there are free and fee activities. You may also want to try getting in touch with local Russian society groups. They sometimes have weekly events & it may be fun to get your family involved with their ancestral community. If I think of any others, I will edit this message.
Also, you may want to try getting a pocket translator. I had gotten one at Radio Shack a long time ago for about $10.
Good luck.

I'd be flipping out too, M.. How long are they staying? Since they are really coming to see your hubby and the kids I'd be friendly and set up activities that allow them to spend time with the boys. Simple activities like the park or library, making a craft, watching dvds just giving them time together.

How about a special activity of hauling the boys and their grandparents off to have their pictures taken at Walmart? That would give your MIL something to treasure once she's home.

If you aren't use to taking medication I wouldn't advise trying with company in the house. If you have an adverse reaction or it makes you sick you'll feel worse than ever. If you get overly stressed put your hubby in charge for a while and get out of the house with a friend. A good walk around the block or cup of coffee with a buddy can put everything right.

Hi,

I used to get a prescription of Xanax before i was pregnant. I may take it again after the baby is born. I've had really good experiences with it. I was prescibed the lowest dose .25's. Its a great drug because its as needed and you only take it when you are really stressed. i never had any addiction issues with it. My advice at first is to break the pills in half because at first they can make you very drowsy, I mainly used them to help me sleep but after you body gets used to them you can function fine during the day on them. Just use caution at first until you know how your body reacts. I think they would help your situation, they helped me.

Good luck. In-law situations can be very difficult.

You mentioned she doesn't speak english. Look at this as a positive, you won't have to spend a lot of time making small talk. You and your children may want to try learning a few Russian words or phrases before her arrival.

I recommend having a talk with hubby before her arrival. This is HIS mother and he should be responsible for doing the majority of the entertaining. After all she is coming to see hubby and the kids. Keep yourself busy and out of the picture by making some great meals and impressing her with your cooking skills, or running short errands, or soaking in a hot bubble bath. This might help to keep down the stress level.

As far as medication, please talk to your doctor. Your doctor may also suggest other options with you. You also may want to talk to your phramacist, who can discuss side effects and what is best for short time use.

Having 3 boys, I'm sure your not a stranger to stressful situations. What techniques have you use to handle those? A glass of wine with dinner might help a little.

As far as CHEAP things to do. Try parks and playgrounds.

Let us know how it all works out.