My mother-in-law has schizophrenia. She is on medication; she repeats things, seems dazed, and I struggle to keep up basic smalltalk when we visit. My husband tries to engage, but without much response, while his father ignores her. She displays inappropriate behaviour such as coming to the room where we sleep. I should probably appreciate that she even cooks basic food, but feel she could make more of an effort when her son visits. I admit my expectations come from my own family, where my mother “spoils” whichever child is visiting. I know his family means a lot to my husband, but I dread the time there. How can I can better manage this and change my expectations?
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