Respect your keds

now… it’s a lot to take in.

And just when it seems like it couldn’t possibly get more complicated… it does.

This is part one of a three-part series.

Tune in tomorrow for part two.
❤️ Jess

📣 Boundary question submitted for me to share about navigating holiday invites.�
If you’re not comfortable going with the kids alone to your in-laws, you can certainly wait to visit as a family when your husband is off work.�
Your mother-in-law can be disappointed and still love you at the same time.

Finding a day that works for everyone is challenging, especially if you have a bigger family.

When you add that bit at the end, you let her know you understand how difficult it is and make her feel validated.

I hope this helps, and I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season. 🎄❤️

📣 Boundary question submitted for me to share.

Two things:

1️⃣ You can change your perspective

2️⃣ You can set a boundary

Let’s say she continues after you ask her to corporate, kindly correct her.

MIL - “How’s my baby?”

You - “Your grand baby is doing well.”

MIL - “Can I come see my baby?”

You - “Your grand baby isn’t feeling well today but would tomorrow work after nap time?”

I hope this helps.❤️

What would you do, keep asking and hope she changes, or stop asking completely?

Part 1: We introduced you to the family everyone wanted to be part of. From the outside, the Halcotts looked warm, close, generous, and IMPOSSIBLE not to admire.

Part 2: We step inside that perfect picture, and we start to see what it actually felt like to grow up as one of Ruby’s children.

Then Ruby’s mom dies, Ruby retires, and everything begins to shift, and the cracks in this family finally start to show.

We learn something strange about Brandon…

What do you think is really happening here? Are her in-laws heartless people OR were they feeling overwhelmed and didn’t know how to set their own boundaries in a calm manner?

PSA - this story was shared by one of you for educational and reflective purposes only. Not meant to replace advice from licensed professionals.

Thank you so much for your update—both your personal update and the update about your grandma. We really appreciate hearing back from you! You’re doing a beautiful job protecting your family and your peace. I know it’s very painful seeing a different side like this of your grandpa so make sure you take time for yourself to grief and heal. ❤️ Jess

Have you ever reached a breaking point, only to be punished for finally saying enough?

I am so sorry this happened to you. You did such a generous thing by opening your home to your mom, and sometimes what we imagine and what we experience are two very different realities. You tried to speak up, you tried to get help—and they didn’t meet you there. That’s heartbreaking.

You set this boundary out of survival. You were trying to protect your own well-being and whatever relationship was left with your mom. That doesn’t make you selfish—it makes you human.

I know the MYB community will show up for you with love, support, and insight. Thank you for trusting us with your story.

Would you reach back out to your MIL after a year of drama—and try and get her to the birthday party?

I truly don’t want to minimize this experience by bringing it back to grieving and accepting the limitations of an emotionally immature parent. But speaking from both personal and professional experience, once that grieving process happens, expectations shift. Boundaries are set. And that’s when you have enough information to decide whether this relationship is sustainable.

If she thrives on creating chaos and always looks for a reason to be offended, this might be a bigger conversation down the road. At some point, it’s no longer just about one boundary—it’s about whether the constant stress and conflict are worth it.