The MIL/DIL Relationship: How to Actually Make It Work :: Stacy Reaoch [Ep 589]

Family relationships can be complicated! So how do we navigate changing family roles, competing expectations, boundaries, and communication while protecting the relationships that matter most? In this episode, Stacy Reaoch joins me to talk about the challenges that can come with family relationships and what it looks like to choose connection, extend grace, and build bridges even when things feel awkward or difficult. Stacy co-wrote Making Room for Her with her own mother-in-law and shares wisdom from interviewing women across different generations about their experiences. We talk about: - Why family relationships can become challenging when roles and expectations change - Navigating competing expectations around time, holidays, and extended family - Knowing when to speak up and when to let something go - Why unsolicited advice can create tension—and what to do instead - How parenting preferences can create conflict between generations - Choosing the relationship over the small things - What grandparents can do to build trust with their adult children and their spouses - Finding small ways to show love and move toward a family member, even when it feels awkward - How to support your adult child's marriage without taking sides - What to do when you're concerned about your child's marriage - Learning to navigate a new relationship with your daughter-in-law or son-in-law - Practicing patience, humility, and healthy communication - Trusting God with relationships that feel impossible to repair Connect with Stacy Reaoch:  - Website: Stacy Reaoch - Facebook: Stacy Reaoch Links Mentioned:  - Making Room for Her: By Stacy and Barbara Reaoch - The Word in Our Home: By Ben, Stacy and Barbara Reaoch Related Episodes: - [How to Have Healthy Conflict :: Lynn Hoffman \[Ep 307\]](https://heathermacfadyen.com/2020/11/30/how-to-have-healthy-conflict-lynn-hoffman-ep-307/) - [Good Boundaries and Goodbyes :: Lysa TerKeurst \[Ep 387\]](https://heathermacfadyen.com/2022/11/14/good-boundaries-and-goodbyes-lysa-terkeurst-ep-387/) - [Adult Child Estrangement: What to Do—and How to Hold On to Hope :: Dr. Jim Burns \[Ep 587\]](https://heathermacfadyen.com/2026/08/24/adult-child-estrangement-what-to-do-and-how-to-hold-on-to-hope-dr-jim-burns-ep-587/) Featured Sponsors:  - **Hiya Health**; you can now find Hiya in person at Target stores nationwide, or order directly from their website with a special deal we’ve worked out just for you. **Receive 50% off your first order on any of their products**. Get your kids the full-body support they deserve. - **Honeylove:** Treat yourself to the most advanced bras and shapewear on the market. Use our exclusive link to save 20% off Honeylove at honeylove.com/\[DMA]. That’s honeylove dot com slash \[DMA]. After you check out, they’ll ask where you heard about them — please support our show and tell them we sent you. Experience the new standard in comfort and support with Honeylove.