Early in my cousin's marriage, she would invite her parents, her spouse's parents, and my parents and me to her house for a Mother's Day party. My mom was included because she was my cousin's sponsor for Confirmation, and I'm Godmother to one of her daughters. I always thought this was a great idea because no one felt left out. One year she even got us each special little gifts. Mine was a frame with the words, "I Love My Godmother," and a picture of me holding my Goddaughter at her Christening. We would all eat together and laugh together and enjoy. The whole concept made me feel both special and included. It's exactly what I'd like my soon-to-be mother-in-law to feel on Mother's Day this year.

Since my mother-in-law lives in Italy and I live in the United States, we don't always get to spend Mother's Day together. But I do hope to reassure her by sending a video e-mail or handmade card that expresses my happiness at not only marrying her son but also at joining their family. And I hope newlyweds use Mother's Day as an excellent excuse to improve their relationship with their mother-in-law. That's why I wrote an article about how you can celebrate Mother's Day with your mother-in-law, based on the kind of relationship the two of you share.

Here is some more advice for creating a good relationship with your in-laws:

Discuss Your Mother-in-Law

How to Help Your Spouse Get Along with Your Family

What Should I Do about the Problems I'm Having with My In-Laws?

Should You Call Your In-Laws Mom and Dad?