Monthly Archives: August 2009

Lessons Sandwiched Boomers Can Learn from Senator Ted Kennedy

by phyllis, August 31, 2009

Senator Ted Kennedy was the last of the Kennedy brothers whose power, challenges and triumphs dominated a generation of politics. He was eulogized as an inspiration to his family and to those in public service. His body of work toward progressive causes in the U.S. Senate was proof that he understood how policies affected people. And he cared passionately about the people he served and worked tirelessly on their behalf. Yet his life was marred by tragedy and scandal – from the assassination of brothers John and Robert and the … Continue reading →

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Mothers-in-Law Step Back

by rosemary, August 28, 2009

Our focus on the complex role of mother-in-law draws to a close today. We want to leave you with some more suggestions to keep in mind as you work on taking a step back – and taking lots of deep breaths as you do. Change is never easy but it may be especially difficult in this relationship given the complicated emotions and tensions that are percolating just below the surface. As issues boil up, everyone is affected – you, your grown children, their partners, your own spouse. While you can’t … Continue reading →

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Mothers-in-Law Change

by rosemary, August 27, 2009

Another reader of Nourishing Relationships has commented about how difficult the role of mother-in-law is: “As the mother of sons who adored bringing them up, I never realized until they married what difficult issues I’d face. I foolishly thought we would just widen our wonderful circle and they, my daughters-in-law, would join in the dance. I forgot, they had mothers and did not want another one! There’s also the cultural piece, which takes a great deal of work and understanding when two cultures are involved. It is a real challenge, … Continue reading →

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Mother-in-Law’s Tongue

by rosemary, August 26, 2009

Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, with its sharp, blade-like leaves, has been described as “toxic.” That is, when it’s not being called by its other name, the Snake Plant. Wow, looks the plant world doesn’t have a very good view of us mothers-in-law! But we MILs know that most of the time we don’t use our words to cut – we work hard to “hold our tongues” and defuse the situation. That’s not always easy to do. We often hear from women who want to improve their relationships with daughters-in-law, but don’t know … Continue reading →

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