It is said that the first impression is the best impression. In marriage, for a girl, this ‘first impression’ concerns the boy and his mother. The girl should get the confidence that she would get protection and love at her new home. Back then, movies depicted mothers-in-law as being very autocratic, totally shorn of love and consideration. Artistes like Varalakshmi and M. N. Rajam played these wicked women. But some movies depicted the mother-in-law as a meek and subdued woman tortured by a wicked daughter-in-law. Artistes like Pandari Bai played these meek roles. Today, mega serials portray mothers-in-law invariably as wicked and scheming. Jokes in magazines and debates center on the enmity between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law showing them as sworn enemies. This atmosphere only goes to discourage the women from trusting their mother-in-law or daughter-in-law. The girl is inclined to believe that a mother-in-law is her first enemy and she is there only to create problem in her marriage. But in reality, this is not true. There really had been and there really are many mothers-in-law who treat their daughter-in-law with equal love and affection as shown to their son.

There’s always a mother-in-law behind every successful career woman. In those households where a mother-in-law is there to take care of the household and children, the daughter-in-law is able to work with a peaceful mind at her workplace. It is better to shower love on the daughter-in-law and win her affection instead of finding fault with her behavior and words. The daughter-in-law would surely understand her mother-in-law’s love and feel happy about the same. She might even feel proud about her husband’s family and share her happiness with her friends. This will ensure a cordial atmosphere at home. Even if the present generation daughters-in-law do not behave properly, the mothers-in-law should avoid the mistakes committed by their own mothers-in-law in their relationship with them. It is imperative that every woman should strive to become a role model mother-in-law.

Today, joint family system is waning. In the fast life, selfishness reigns, the importance of relationships is not realized. This situation might even lead to a condition where faith in the institution of marriage itself might start disappearing. We should think about the next generation children. Elders should come forward to rectify this situation. The society progresses when families remain united on a strong bond. There’ll be peace and love in any family that believes in relationships.

The duty of the parents doesn’t end with just giving good food and good education to their children. They should see that their children grow as good citizens and good humans. The world will become a beautiful place to live in if all the parents realize this truth. When the children are adults, we should allow them freedom to pursue their own goals and ambitions. Parents should not keep them in their grip till last. This attitude would only harm the beautiful relationship between the parents and the children. Mutual help should be done wholeheartedly.