What if your mother-in-law is a jehovah's witness and you are not does she have a right to tell you that if your child is not a witness that she is therefore not being raised right?

Answer 1

To an extent. She can make her point of view clear, but she cannot enforce it upon you.

You, as a parent, have the complete right to teach your child however you see fit (provided this is legally accomplished). you also have the right not for someone else's religious view to be enforced upon you.

Both of these rights are basics of law in most of the world.

One View

It depends on the situation that is at hand. Is your child in her home? If not then she doesn't have the right to tell anyone what to do, unless she is the primary care giver to the child.

Another View

A mother usually knows what is best for you and your child. I'm one of Jehovah's Witnesses, so I'll try and answer you without leaning on any side. Due to our beliefs, celebrating birthdays, holidays, allowing children to engage in certain activities would be seen as inappropriate. So your mother, trying to do what she thinks is best will think that your way of raising your child is not best. But what I would suggest you do, without raising any conflicts in the family is ask her what do you think is the better way? listen to her, and then voice your opinion on the matter. if you are living with your mother in law, i would suggest that you try to abide by her rules up to a point. where it conflicts with what you believe, so just kindly state so. if you are not living with her, then you just kindly state that you don't agree with her. and you think that things will be done better this way, rather than the way she is suggesting to you. so try and work out things, in order to avoid conflict in the home. that's the last thing both you and her would want to happen.

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Another View

The two of you need to sit down and talk rationally about how you each feel. I can see why she might wish to make Bible based suggestions for the benefit (in her mind) of you and your child. And I can see how you might feel that your territory as a mother is being overstepped. Keep in mind that she loves your daughter, too. Maybe some boundary lines could be drawn as to what is comfortable for you and what isn't. If you approach this from a place of mutual respect, I'm sure you can work it out.

It is my understanding that in the USA people are free to express their opinions. . So why does this mother think she has to obey her mother-in-law? Something is missing in this question?

Edit: She'll voice her opinions because she will say what she believes is right. Of course, while she cannot tell the child to do certain things, she can advise her grandchild. As your son/daughter gets older, your mother in law will advise him/her even more. If you have a problem with what she says, I'd suggest you sit with her and discuss it in a peaceful manner. Remember if you keep calm and cool you can show her your point of view and listen to hers. Remember although you may not agree with her, she will have some influence over the child. Many persons live in religiously divided homes. Usually the children follow the religion of their father or if he is not really religious or present the religion of their mother. Just talk to her like a rational thinking adult and you will be fine.