How to Get Along with Your Husband's Relatives on the Dacha

You can set up barriers from neighbors. Noisy visits from relatives or the need to share your own territory with them for long periods can upset some people. Is this a familiar situation? We have solutions.

First of all — children

It's useless to explain to young children, especially toddlers, that there are boundaries of personal space, privacy, and the right to solitude. Besides, they need supervision.

Luckily, there's water, sand, and other joys available in the countryside that urban kids often lack, which can be more precious than bought toys.

Give children play areas where they can enjoy themselves to the fullest. Toddlers love building huts from blankets and throws: provide them with a frame and help drive stakes into the ground. Older children might enjoy making hammocks, kites, fishing nets or fishing rods. Teenagers can help you lay out mosaic tiles for garden paths. They might also be interested in setting up an outdoor corner for selfies.

Men, oh men

It's great if some habits of brothers-in-law and in-laws bring benefits to others. But if not yet, it can be arranged. Men can do a lot: hint that they have plenty of opportunities to enjoy themselves in the barbecue area, garage, or workshop.

Sometimes this brings tangible benefits: set up a summer kitchen or even build a pizza oven, make furniture by hand. Chop firewood in the end.

Favorite mother-in-law

Having two housekeepers under one roof is challenging. But it's possible if you accept help gratefully and channel energy into peaceful channels. Study the habits and inclinations of your husband’s mother. Does she love gardening? Let her take charge of salad and greens for the common table. Does she have a natural gift for teaching? She can entertain the children. Is she a culinary genius? Great, that means there will be plenty of pies and you’ll just need to provide drinks and music.

Organize the Space

In the garden, around the house and inside it, there are enough ways to separate groups of people so that they don’t suffer from noise and each can live at their own pace.

It's ideal if the veranda or terrace encircles the house all around. Then, in different zones of it, you can set up an outdoor living room and a breakfast nook. Maybe you're in the stage of construction or renovation and have already planned for various entrances? That’s wise.

In other cases, landscaping techniques and solutions to improve sound insulation and create shade come in handy. As the saying goes, out of sight, out of mind — and peace of mind follows.

Want to have barbecue in comfort?

We tell you how to create a cozy spot for gatherings on the dacha

Find a retreat

Everyone needs moments (or hours) of silence and peace. Simply be honest and open about it, set rules, and define boundaries that shouldn’t be crossed.

"I'm in the cabin" is a refuge for everyone, from young to old. A "do not disturb" sign can be a garden hat on the door handle, an aromatic candle, or a basket of knitting.

Escape the hustle in a studio converted from a shed or in a greenhouse. Set aside a study in the attic or under the stairs. Furnish a nook with a bed and a place for rest in the shade. A woven "nest" or a treehouse — solutions will be found for every taste.