Dr Phil: In-Law from Hell
We’ve all heard the crazy stories about out of control in-laws. But Pat said that her daughter-in-law Cara is ruining her son’s life, and overbearing when it comes to raising their son. She requires Pat to make an appointment to see her grandchild, and Pat also made a raft of other outrageous claims about how controlling Cara is. We’ll see what turns out to be true.
Todd and Cara have a different side of the story. Cara said she should come first in her husband’s life, and that Pat has no sense of boundaries when it comes to their separate lives. “My mom goes for the jugular anytime we fight about Cara,” Todd said. She has even accused Cara of brainwashing Todd.
Dr Phil: Venting About Marriage To a Parent
Dr Phil met with Pat, a woman who said her son Todd’s wife, Cara, is too controlling and has ridiculous rules that keep her from seeing her grandchildren. (Mark Payne / Shutterstock.com)
The family sat onstage with Dr Phil, and Pat stood by the names she has called Cara. She admitted that she does not get along with her son these days. Why does she think that is? “They go overboard on things,” Pat claimed.
Todd said he probably lived with his mother for too long, moving out around age 30. Pat accused Cara of underfeeding Todd, who is Diabetic. “Sometimes I just want a little extra,” he said, admitting that he has called his mom on occasion to get money for snacks.
Cara was hearing this news for the first time onstage. She did know that Todd sometimes vents to Pat about his marriage. The couple eventually landed in marriage counseling as a result, and Dr Phil said it’s never good to complain to a parent about your spouse. Nobody wins in that scenario, because it can cause problems that don’t need to exist.
Dr Phil: Relationship Rules for In-Laws?
Dr Phil mentioned some of the rules Pat claims that Cara has enforced in their relationship. These included that Todd must have permission to visit his mom. Pat is only allowed to buy Todd gifts for his birthday and Christmas.
Pat is also no longer allowed to make doctor’s appointments for her adult son. Todd is not allowed to call his mother for money or advice, supposedly, and the family will not spend Thanksgiving or Christmas at her house.
Todd is not supposed to run errands for Pat. Pat is not supposed to buy snacks for Todd, and is not welcome to show up unannounced. Cara and Todd also decided not to share their kids’ Social Security numbers with their grandmother.
Do you think these rules are reasonable or ridiculous?
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