How do I deal with very defensive/sensative Grandparents/inlaws who spoil my child?

[sipper888]

My Mother in Law has already started spoiling my 7 month old girl. We see her 1-3 times a week and every time we do she has several new outfits or something for our daughter. She even made sure to get our daughter something extra special for mothers day and for fathers day. For christmas she got her tons of stuff and spent over 100$ on a single outfit among lots of other things.

I am not sure how to handle this and her because she is very defensive and critical of me and my husband already. I am asking my question on how to handle this situation delicately because in the past when trying to talk to her about things, she has blown up in my face and chewed me out, screaming so loud and pointing her finger down at me, to the point my husband and I had to leave. I’m not sure how to handle this situation without resulting in a huge battle.

Please help!

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear friend,

She is handling it for you. You can remain passive and let her have control–or the two of you can also be strong and tell her to back off or she will have to live without you and your family in her life. The two of you need to do this in a united way. She is obviously strong and very manipulative. There is no polite way of dealing with people like this. When she sees that she cannot control you, she may comply. But you will still have to be on your guard.

You are in our prayers.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.