I have just joined mumsnet; I really appreciate the opinions, ideas and views of other women, mothers and to my delight (a new discovery for me) grandmothers; if I want recommendations about products/services I turn to mumsnet and I have not been disappointed; I am impressed with the range of subjects and advice on this website and how much I trust the opinions and advice from the women on this site; I find the discussions about MIL and DIL issues very interesting; I have 3 DILs (the longest DIL relationship has been for 14 years); I have learnt through the school of hard knocks that these relationships have to be carefully and delicately nurtured; and as the MIL, I have had to consume large amounts of humble pie; I suppose the dynamics of human relationships have common threads but each family's relationships have individual nuances particular to every family; for me, I have found from experience, that my DIL's opinions, directions in childcare and the management of their household is their prerogative and in their domain they have authority; I have learnt to respect this golden rule (any moans and niggles I might have, I keep to myself or mumble to my hubby confidentially); I am genuinely proud of my 3 son's defence of their wives and I learnt over the years their allegiance and love is first and foremost with their wives and their children; most of all I have worked at this to maintain access to my precious grandchildren, who have brought us so much love, laughter and happiness.