Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast

Episode 124: The Hidden Cost of Choosing Toxic Parents Over Your Children

In this episode of the Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast, host Miriam Susan explores the hidden cost of choosing toxic parents or in-laws over your own children. She shares personal stories and practical insights on how trying to keep the peace with toxic family members can quietly drain your energy from your marriage, children, and faith. With nearly three decades of experience navigating in-law drama, Miriam encourages listeners to recognize these patterns and set healthy boundaries. This episode will help you gain much-needed awareness and clarity so you can prioritize what matters most without guilt. This podcast is the personal apostolic work of Miriam Susan, a Catholic laywoman and convert. Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws is not an official ministry, apostolate, or publication of the Catholic Church or any diocesan or ecclesiastical body. Nothing shared here should be understood as representing the official teaching authority of the Church. All content reflects the personal experience, faith journey, and perspective of the host alone. Resources & Links: If you liked this video, then you’ll love this FREE 5-Day Email Course: https://desiringpeace.com/free-course [https://desiringpeace.com/free-course] Tired of feeling like you're the only one who sees the dysfunction of your husband's family? You're not alone, and you're not crazy. Join Catholic Wives + Toxic In-Laws - a supportive community where you can finally speak honestly about your in-law struggles without judgment or being told to "just offer it up." Get validation from women who truly understand, practical boundary strategies rooted in Catholic teaching, and the peace you've been praying for. Founding member pricing is available now. Join us at toxicinlaws.com [https://www.skool.com/catholic-wives-toxic-in-laws-2711] For a transcript of today's episode, visit https://www.DesiringPeace.com/episodes [https://www.desiringpeace.com/episodes]

Episode 123: When Toxic Grandma Makes You the Bad Guy in Front of Your Kids

In this episode of the Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast, host Miriam Susan explores the painful reality of being made the "bad guy" by toxic grandparents in front of your own children. She shares real-life examples and practical wisdom from her decades of experience navigating these difficult family dynamics. If you've ever felt undermined by a grandparent or doubted your instincts, this episode offers validation, encouragement, and faith-based guidance to help you protect the sacred bond with your children. Resources & Links: If you liked this video, then you’ll love this FREE 5-Day Email Course: https://desiringpeace.com/free-course [https://desiringpeace.com/free-course] Tired of feeling like you're the only one who sees the dysfunction of your husband's family? You're not alone, and you're not crazy. Join Catholic Wives + Toxic In-Laws - a supportive community where you can finally speak honestly about your in-law struggles without judgment or being told to "just offer it up." Get validation from women who truly understand, practical boundary strategies rooted in Catholic teaching, and the peace you've been praying for. Founding member pricing is available now. Join us at toxicinlaws.com [https://www.skool.com/catholic-wives-toxic-in-laws-2711] For a transcript of today's episode, visit https://www.DesiringPeace.com/episodes [https://www.desiringpeace.com/episodes]

Episode 122: The Slow Game: How Toxic Grandparents Chip Away at Your Children Over Time

In this episode of the Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast, host Miriam Susan explores the subtle but powerful ways toxic grandparents can erode your relationship with your children over time. Drawing from over twenty years of personal experience, she unpacks the “slow game” of micro-moves and loyalty wedges that often go unnoticed but have lasting effects. Listeners will find validation for their concerns and practical wisdom for recognizing damaging patterns, all within the framework of Catholic family values. If you’ve ever doubted your gut about changes in your children after grandparent visits, this episode is for you. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to the slow game of toxic grandparents 00:34 – Defining “toxic”: intention behind the word and scope of the series 01:34 – Scriptural reflection from Sirach and the slow emergence of grandparental toxicity 02:50 – Recognizing the “long game” and subtle shifts in children’s attitudes 04:00 – Micro-moves: the chess analogy and small, cumulative undermining actions 05:49 – The impact of a thousand minor slights: why patterns matter 06:37 – Are you imagining it? Self-doubt, projection, and trusting your observations 07:50 – The “loyalty wedge”: how toxic grandparents quietly split allegiance 08:58 – Covert manipulation versus direct undermining—why this is so insidious 10:18 – Redirection of authority: children’s innate trust and slow realignment 11:54 – Disordered family roles: boundaries, authority, and God’s intended structure 13:17 – How to start recognizing and naming patterns of toxic influence 15:12 – Confusion and emotional fallout for children when boundaries are enforced 16:44 – Collecting evidence: why noticing patterns is not about confrontation 17:43 – Real-life examples of subtle grandparent undermining and its effect 18:33 – When recurring boundary violations become genuinely toxic 18:43 – Returning to Sirach: consistency, manipulation, and spiritual wisdom 19:44 – Spotting inconsistent behavior and distinguishing “quirks” from manipulation 21:31 – Community invitation: support, affirmation, and boundaries for Catholic wives 22:35 – What you can control: boundaries, access, and your response 23:28 – The accusation of “withholding grandkids” and reclaiming your role as protector 24:33 – Disclaimer and reminder to seek professional support when needed Resources & Links: If you liked this video, then you’ll love this FREE 5-Day Email Course: https://desiringpeace.com/free-course [https://desiringpeace.com/free-course] Tired of feeling like you're the only one who sees the dysfunction of your husband's family? You're not alone, and you're not crazy. Join Catholic Wives + Toxic In-Laws - a supportive community where you can finally speak honestly about your in-law struggles without judgment or being told to "just offer it up." Get validation from women who truly understand, practical boundary strategies rooted in Catholic teaching, and the peace you've been praying for. Founding member pricing is available now. Join us at toxicinlaws.com [https://www.skool.com/catholic-wives-toxic-in-laws-2711] For a transcript of today's episode, visit https://www.DesiringPeace.com/episodes [https://www.desiringpeace.com/episodes]

Episode 121: Are Toxic Grandparents Running Your Parenting Show?

In this episode of the Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast, host Miriam Susan explores the challenges of dealing with toxic grandparents who try to overstep their boundaries and influence your parenting decisions. She draws on personal stories and Catholic teaching to help you recognize unhealthy patterns and reclaim your God-given authority as a parent. If you're struggling with in-laws who undermine your rules or make you feel guilty for setting boundaries, this episode will offer practical encouragement and scriptural support. Resources & Links: If you liked this video, then you’ll love this FREE 5-Day Email Course: https://desiringpeace.com/free-course [https://desiringpeace.com/free-course] Tired of feeling like you're the only one who sees the dysfunction of your husband's family? You're not alone, and you're not crazy. Join Catholic Wives + Toxic In-Laws - a supportive community where you can finally speak honestly about your in-law struggles without judgment or being told to "just offer it up." Get validation from women who truly understand, practical boundary strategies rooted in Catholic teaching, and the peace you've been praying for. Founding member pricing is available now. Join us at toxicinlaws.com [https://www.skool.com/catholic-wives-toxic-in-laws-2711] For a transcript of today's episode, visit https://www.DesiringPeace.com/episodes [https://www.desiringpeace.com/episodes]

Episode 120: Why You Keep Letting It Go with Toxic In-Laws

In this episode of the Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast, host Miriam Susan explores why so many Catholic wives continually "let it go" when dealing with toxic in-laws, especially toxic grandparents. Drawing from her own decades of experience and listener questions, Miriam Susan unpacks the confusion that comes from mixed signals and offers practical insights on reclaiming your peace and trusting your instincts. If you often downplay hurtful behavior because of occasional kindness, this episode will help you recognize harmful patterns and encourage you to set healthier boundaries with charity and self-respect. Resources & Links: If you liked this video, then you’ll love this FREE 5-Day Email Course: https://desiringpeace.com/free-course [https://desiringpeace.com/free-course] Tired of feeling like you're the only one who sees the dysfunction of your husband's family? You're not alone, and you're not crazy. Join Catholic Wives + Toxic In-Laws - a supportive community where you can finally speak honestly about your in-law struggles without judgment or being told to "just offer it up." Get validation from women who truly understand, practical boundary strategies rooted in Catholic teaching, and the peace you've been praying for. Founding member pricing is available now. Join us at toxicinlaws.com [https://www.skool.com/catholic-wives-toxic-in-laws-2711] For a transcript of today's episode, visit https://www.DesiringPeace.com/episodes [https://www.desiringpeace.com/episodes]