When you’re a wife, a mom to a busy toddler, the household cook, and you're living under the same roof as your in-laws—it’s a lot.
It’s a beautiful kind of hard. Some days feel like blessings wrapped in chaos. Other days feel like you’re tiptoeing between keeping the peace and keeping yourself from falling apart.
I’m sharing this not just as a blogger or mom, but as a woman living this reality daily. If you're navigating married life while raising little ones in a shared home, know this: you are not alone. It is possible to protect your peace, honor your role, and care for your family and yourself at the same time—with grace and wisdom.
In this post, I want to share some gentle routines, faith-based encouragement, and practical tips that have helped me breathe easier, set boundaries lovingly, and show up as the wife and mom God is calling me to be—even in a full household.
1. Pray for Wisdom and a Gentle Spirit Daily
Before anything else, start your day with prayer. Ask God for discernment, peace, and grace in your words and actions. Living with in-laws can test your patience, but remember:
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
2. Keep Communication Open with Your Husband
Make sure you and your husband are on the same team. Talk regularly about how you’re feeling—not to complain, but to share your emotional load. Let him know if something is hard for you, and try to find small ways he can support you emotionally or practically.
Tip: Avoid venting about his family to him when tensions are high. Choose a calm moment and speak from your heart.
3. Create Routines that Protect Your Peace
With a 2-year-old and cooking responsibilities, your time and energy are stretched. Build a routine that allows you and your child to have consistent rest, bonding time, and alone time—even if it’s just 20 quiet minutes a day.
If possible:
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Have morning play/devotion time with your baby
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Prepare meals in batches to save energy
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Plan a few moments each day just for YOU—even just sipping coffee while your baby naps
4. Respect Their Space While Maintaining Yours
In a shared home, respect is key. But so is healthy emotional space. Here’s how:
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Be kind and polite, but don’t feel obligated to over-explain your parenting or household choices unless asked
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Respect their house rules, but calmly set boundaries when needed (e.g. baby’s nap time, parenting decisions)
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Choose your battles—every comment doesn’t need a reaction
5. Ask for Help—You Don’t Have to Do It All Alone
If you’re doing all the cooking and child-rearing, it’s okay to ask for help—from your husband, from a relative, or even asking someone to watch the baby for 15 minutes so you can take a bath in peace.
You don’t have to be a superhero. Jesus Himself took time to rest.
6. Practice Gratitude, But Don’t Guilt Yourself
You might feel like you “should be grateful” for having a place to stay or family around—but that doesn’t mean your struggles aren’t valid. Gratitude and frustration can exist in the same heart.
Write down 3 things you’re thankful for each day—and also name one thing you need to surrender to God.
7. Build Your Identity Beyond the Home
You are more than a cook, more than a mom, more than a wife. Continue nurturing your passions—your blog, crochet, your dreams. These things matter. They keep your spirit alive.
8. Seek Support from Other Women
You are not alone. Many women live with in-laws, raise babies, and try to keep the peace while building a life. Talk to friends, join a mom group, or message someone you trust.
Sometimes, just saying “this is hard” to someone who understands is enough to lighten the load.
Trust God’s Timing and Direction
This season may not be forever. Whether it’s temporary or long-term, God can work through it.
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” – Exodus 14:14
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