Ask Amy: In-laws keep giving faith-inspired parenting advice
Dear Amy: My in-laws are nice people, but they are very religious and tend to filter everything through their religious beliefs.
My wife and I had our first child (their first grandchild). My wife and I agree on our parenting choices and believe we’re doing well. Her parents, however, like to offer us Christian-based parenting concepts, which they glean from YouTube channels.
I really do love them, but I’d like to discourage this. We do not intend to raise our child in their evangelical church.
What do you suggest?
– Wondering Parents
Dear Wondering: Jesus might have walked on water, but he never had to try to guide a toddler through the grocery store.
Depending on the frequency of these recommendations, as well as how they’re delivered, it might be wisest to simply ignore them. Don’t click, don’t watch, don’t read.
If an in-law asks you and your wife about these resources, you can both state, honestly, that you don’t follow them.
Your wife is probably the best person to convey to her parents that you will not be raising your child in their church. It is your right – and your duty – to raise your child according to your own values.
You can email Amy Dickinson at [email protected] or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068.