The mean sister?
Linda, I am a firm believer that family will treat you the way you allow them to. No one is allowed to say bad things about my kids in front of them. If there is a "concern" they can speak to me in an adult private conversation. I said this out loud to a particular trouble-making person, in front of the boys too, and it only took twice for her to learn. As for myself, unwanted advice is met with politeness- Thank you for your concern, but I'd prefer not to be the topic of conversation today, so let's change the subject. And the boys are off limits too. You don't have to be rude or get mad, but trust me, you will feel better standing up for yourself and kids.
Happiness is not easily measured by those not experiencing it. Don't let them destroy your happiness. You are a gentle and loving person with a huge heart, probably the kindest person I've ever met. People like you need to be defended from others who want to drag them down. I would defend you, but I can't be there, so you need to do it.
Yes, my only sister and my sister in law. They are both queen bees.
