other parents criticism? pls help...?

Indeed you are a good mom -- you are raising your children to be respectful, responsible, and successful. Your sister in law needs the fool slapped out of her... but that's not our job.

She is raising her kids to be out of control teenagers and adults -- and they will be the ones who suffer the consequences because she refuses to parent them.

Good job. You will have to simply stand up to your sister in law and tell her that the way you are raising your kids is absolutely none of her business -- but in that conversation do not bring HER parenting styles up (and it looks as though you already know that) -- because you will be modeling for her HOW it is not any of her business...

BTW-- her girls actually AREN'T happier --children need to know expectations and actually feel more settled, secure and happier if they have some guidance and boundaries in place.

My mother in law used to do this all the time.

I told her that while I appreciate her input, I'm new at this and I want the chance to experience the learning process of parenting a child the same way everyone should get to and that includes making some mistakes.

I told her that each parent has their own style and that they know their children's quirks more so than anyone else and that they can each do what works for them and I will do what works for me.

She hasn't said anything since.

If that doesn't work, BabyTalk magazine always has the funniest responses to give people without coming off as bit**y

Since you know without a doubt that you are raising your children the best you know how, then it makes it pretty obvious that your SIL sees her own faults in parenting and is just attempting to divert the attention from herself and her own short-falls. If I was you, I would mentally prepare myself when I knew I would see her and get comfortable in the fact that you ARE a good parent. If and when she brings up something negative, just brush it off with a little laugh and say, "Well, they're not in jail yet!" Once she sees it doesn't affect you, hopefully she'll stop. Good luck :)

i went thru this several,several years back & u just keep doing what ur doing my child ended up being a good person, a chosen career & a contributor to his community!!!!! Sis-in-law had 3 the 1st has been in trouble constantly w/police & a crackhead the middle one commited suicide the last has 3 babies & 3 baby daddy but she's not a 100% sure of naming the daddy!! What i ended up doing was putting a lot of space between us. I told my husband thats what i was doing & why he was ok w/it tough if he wasn't . i really cut back on the home visits as well often telling lies but @ least i didn't have to do a major overhaul on my house after they left. It was all good!!

Your SiL sounds bored, and possibly insecure.

I'd adopt a party line: "This works well for us." Say it every time she goes into harping mode, with a pleasant smile on your face. Then change the subject.

It may not stop her, but at least you'll be prepared. And, over time, I'd guess that even the densest person would take a hint.

Everyone raises their kids differently. And that's exactly what I would tell her! Next time she makes a comment about your kids just simply tell her "Listen, as much as I appreciate your advice- I prefer to do.......with my kids...But, thanks for the advice." Kill her with kindness, don't be nasty about it. Otherwise I would say "in one ear and out the other" Some people will never change no matter how much you want them too. Just remember that when your kids are kind, respectful adults and she is ripping her hair out because her kids aren't...you can look back and laugh about it! LOL Good Luck!

Listen to me,

From the way it sounds, you are doing everything right.

Your children have boundaries, rules, chores,etc, which are all fundamental in raising a person who is wise, independent, and productive.

We all question ourselves as parents, but you will see in the long run, that you have been doing just fine!

You know you are a good mom, so why listen to her criticism? Your sister is a fine one to talk if her children dont have any boundaries. Have more belief in your parenting skills. And let your sister get on with it. I bet she would be the first moan if you were to criticize her!!!

Tell her to raise her kids they way that she wants to, and you'll raise yours they way that you want to. Tell her that she needs to stop criticising everything you do as a parent, because its making you doubt your ability as a parent. My step daughter made some comments about my parenting ability, and I doubt myself everytime that I do something now, I understand what you're going through. Just tell her what she's doing to you, and by her making you doubt yourself, she's hindering your ability to be the best mom that you can be. Good luck. if you wanna talk, you can e-mail me!

Tell her straight out that her kids are spoiled monsters and that you arent going to let yours turn out that way. Tell her you want your kids to have boundaries. Stand up for yourself. Sometimes the best route is to be blunt.