How do I deal with a mother-in-law who baby sits for me and tells all of my business to my sister-in-laws who are in fact SISTERS?

I ask my mother-in-law not to tell my business to everyone and she does anyway. My sister-in-laws are judgmental and not big fans of mine or my decisions for my family. How do I deal with them and my mother-in-law? I try to talk to them and it just comes out weird. The only reason my mother-in-law knows things to tell them is because she watches my children when I work. How do I keep my personal business private?


Aug 25, 2011
Keeping Your Life Personal
by: Kevin (Modern Manners and Etiquette)

Thank you for the question.

To tell you the truth, I don't know that it will change. In order for the situation to improve, one of two things needs to happen:

1. You need to confront your mother-in-law and talk to her about keeping things confidential. It comes down to a trust issue. The more she shares with others, the less trust in her you will have.

It might also help to have your spouse talk to her since it is their mother. Maybe she will listen to them instead of you. Hopefully, that would improve the situation. Or...

2. If things persist, the only way I can see to keep things private is to find a new babysitter. It may not be the ideal situation and maybe it will cost you more money. However, you have to ask yourself the question, "Which is more important to me? My money or my privacy?"

Your mother-in-law may or may not change, but you have to be ready to answer the hard question in case she will not change. Be prepared to make a babysitting change if it is required.

I hope it turns out for the best.