Five Ways to Bond with Your Father-In-Law

In honor of Father’s Day coming up this weekend, we’ve got our focus on some of our favorite guys- our dads! It can be intimidating when your family gets bigger- especially if you’re getting a whole new set of parents as in-laws. We want to help you get along with your new family, and that can start with some good old fashioned bonding. We’ve got tips on how to bond with your new father-in-law that’ll make you the new family favorite.

Figure Out His Favorites

One of the best ways to learn more about a person is to find out what they love and why they love it. Ask him what his favorite book is, then read it. While you’re reading think about the themes and characters. After you’ve read it, bring it up by mentioning that you checked out that book on his recommendation. You’ll be able to talk about what you both liked and may have not liked about it. Plus, it can be humbling for someone to have their recommendations taken seriously. You’ll score some points!

Ask Questions

Next time you’re both at family functions, ask open ended questions that you would be able to answer as well. Try to avoid yes or no questions, or anything that could end a conversation abruptly (ex., how was traffic/weather/your dinner can be conversation killers). Try to find out more about his life with questions about what his favorite things are, where his dream vacation spot is, what his pets growing up were like. Give him the chance to tell a story and he’ll feel closer to you.

Show Off in the Kitchen

Everyone has their signature dish- you should be proud of yours! If you’re doing a family potluck, or even just all getting together for some grub, be ready to cook. As the old saying goes- the best way to get to someone’s heart is through their stomach! If your cooking skills are limited, don’t let that stop you. Try new things and be willing to do some taste testing.

Be Grateful

When he helps out, when he sends gifts, when he does anything for you, always be grateful. It can be difficult for some people to let in a new member of the family, and being friendly and grateful will go far. If he gets any gifts, helps pay for anything, or goes out of his way be sure to thank him.

Take Pictures

This one goes past posting pictures on instagram with the caption #HappyFamily. Involve the in-laws in group pictures and share the shots later. Pictures and happy images can go a long way- it’ll help you both remind each other of the great times you’ve shared! You’ll be able to look back in a few years and wonder how you ever weren’t close with the in-laws.