Ask Dr. Julie Hanks

How do I have a relationship with my needy mother-in-law while needing to take care of my own family?

October 04, 2022 Dr. Julie Hanks
Ask Dr. Julie Hanks
How do I have a relationship with my needy mother-in-law while needing to take care of my own family?
Show Notes

In this episode, I talk with Brittany and address the question, “How do I have a relationship with my needy mother-in-law while needing to take care of my own family?” Brittany and her husband provided a lot of financial and emotional support to her mother-in-law before Brittany’s husband passed away. Their current relationship leaves Brittany feeling guilty and resentful toward her mother-in-law. She has encouraged her mother-in-law to seek help many times, but she refuses to take action to better her situation.

I ask Brittany what kind of daughter-in-law she wants to be. Whenever her mother-in-law comes to her with her problems, I encourage Brittany to return to that ideal. We talk about how the guilt she feels about their relationship comes from the false idea that it is Brittany’s responsibility to fix her mother-in-law’s problems. As she lets go of this idea, Brittany will be freer to love her mother-in-law because she won’t feel like she is failing her.

Have you ever thought, “I want to ask Dr. Julie Hanks a question”? Well, now’s your chance! I want to have you on my podcast! Click here to fill out this form and tell me your question. I might just pick you to be on the podcast and receive a free coaching session.

Thank you for listening to the Ask Dr. Julie Hanks podcast Please click here to leave me a review. And make sure you don’t miss an episode by following me on Apple Podcast and Spotify.

If you have found this information helpful, you can find additional resources on this topic in my podcast and my online courses. Connect with me on social media @drjuliehanks, browse DJH merch, and work with me through joining DJH membership at drjuliehanks.com. For therapy in Utah visit wasatchfamilytherapy.com.



Have you ever thought, “I want to ask Dr. Julie Hanks a question”? Well, now’s your chance! I want to have you on my podcast! Click here to fill out this form and tell me your question. I might just pick you to be on the podcast and receive a free coaching session.

Thank you for listening to the Ask Dr. Julie Hanks podcast. Please click here to leave me a review. And make sure you don’t miss an episode by following me on Apple Podcast and Spotify.

If you have found this information helpful, you can find additional resources on this topic in my podcast and my online courses. Connect with me on social media @drjuliehanks and work with me through joining DJH membership at drjuliehanks.com. For therapy in Utah visit wasatchfamilytherapy.com.