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Original poster

Struggling with MIL belief

31 replies

CosyStork · 28/09/2025 23:16

I really like my MIL but I’m starting to struggle with some of her beliefs. She believes paracetamol causes autism and says there is medical evidence. She is a strong supporter and member of Reform. She is very suspicious towards anyone of a different race to herself. This is all quite recent (last few months)

I am not a very politically minded person, I’ll be honest. I understand people are able to have and express their own views and opinions. I just find myself increasingly concerned and annoyed by her views. For the record - I don’t believe paracetamol causes autism, I don’t support Reform and although I am against illegal immigration, I am not against all immigration and certainly don’t believe anyone with a different race to myself is ‘bad’. I have relatives and friends from different backgrounds and ethnicities and the thought she could look negatively on them just because of the melanin in their skin or where they were born is crazy to me.

I don’t want this to get turned into a political debate I purely want advice on how to cope with someone close with different opinions that alarm you. Tbh as an adult I could probably ignore it but we have children who I don’t really want her opinion being pushed on.

OP posts:
Pryceosh1987 · 29/09/2025 01:05

Paracetamol doesnt cause autism to my knowledge. Its a painkiller, effective for the mind though. Its great for toothache. But i suppose you may need to ask her to nicely stop bringing it up, or try to avoid the topic.

Petherbride · 28/09/2025 23:33

Everyone has their own beliefs, we don’t all have to agree.
Your beliefs arent less valid than hers, you are both equal.
Just respect differences as you do similarities and you’ll be fine.

Original poster
CosyStork · 28/09/2025 23:27

its harder I think because this is all new, before now she has been nothing but a great mum and grandmother. Intelligent and quite open minded or so I thought!!

If she has expressed these beliefs years ago when we met I imagine we would not be in contact now as the moral dilemma after just a few months is awful.

My OH agrees with me her beliefs are wrong but probably feels less strongly than I do. I guess he’s torn because it’s his mum and although he disagrees he has that love and bond to her which I won’t have as much.

OP posts:
ForZanyAquaViewer · 28/09/2025 23:19

You want advice on how to manage your relationship with an ignorant racist?

FaceBothered · 28/09/2025 23:19

Ignore it.

Tell your kids to ignore it.

If she pushes it on your kids, tell her to stop.

Not much else you can do really if you want to stay in contact with her.

jonthebatiste · 28/09/2025 23:19

I would say exactly that to her: that you respect her right to hold whatever beliefs she wants and that it’s irrelevant to the discussion whether you agree with them or not - but that you don’t want your children being exposed to those views as you think it could harm their relationships with other people in their lives. So, can she please keep her views to herself when around your DC. If she can’t do that, she won’t be allowed around your DC.