Play the mediator

He also needs to play the role of mediator - take the responsibility of discussing sensitive issues separately with each, rather than have the wife and mother discuss them as emotions are bound to run high. Parents can put up with a lot from their children, but often cannot accept it from others, including the daughter-in-law. The same goes for the wife too – she will be much more open to suggestions from her husband than from her mother-in-law, especially if she sees him as supportive.