Dr. Laura Call of the Day
Episode: "Tread Lightly and Don't Rock the Boat"
Date: September 7, 2025
Host: Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Main Caller: Yasmin
Episode Overview
This episode centers on parental boundaries and the evolving relationship dynamics when a son gets married. Yasmin, a longtime listener, seeks Dr. Laura's advice about whether to "step in" when her future daughter-in-law gives her son something he’s always disliked—avocado. The conversation expands into universal advice for mothers-in-law about letting go, recognizing shifting roles, and preserving family harmony.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Caller’s Dilemma: The Avocado Incident
- (01:45-02:30) Yasmin explains her son claims to hate avocado. Yet, when his fiancée made him an avocado smoothie, he enjoyed it, to Yasmin’s surprise.
- Yasmin wonders: Should she point out his historical distaste for avocado, or stay quiet?
2. Dr. Laura’s Core Advice: Know Your Place
- (02:39-03:14) Dr. Laura immediately and emphatically tells Yasmin:
- It's "none of your damn business."
- Only intervene if there's a life-threatening allergy.
- Stresses that Yasmin’s intervention would be meddling.
- Quote:
"He's not allergic to it, so you're not saving his life... She will lay it on him at some point. It's none of your damn business."
(Dr. Laura, 02:51)
- Quote:
3. Mother-in-Law Boundaries
- (03:14-03:30) Dr. Laura reiterates mothers-in-law should generally “put your nose into nothing.”
- The time for maternal oversight is done; her son now has a partner.
- Quote:
"You're done. He's got a woman. He replaced you, babe."
(Dr. Laura, 03:23)
4. Personal Anecdote: Dr. Laura’s Avocado Epiphany
- (07:04-08:58) Dr. Laura shares her own funny story about hating avocados for 76 years—without ever trying them—until a friend persuaded her. She now enjoys avocados weekly.
- Reveals we sometimes “learn things in odd ways.”
- Reinforces: It’s not unusual for preferences to change, and there’s rarely harm in a spouse introducing new things.
5. Consequences of Meddling—A Broader Warning
- (08:58-09:58) Dr. Laura gives a clear warning:
- Meddling can cause daughters-in-law to dislike, resent, or be disgusted with their mother-in-law.
- The result can be losing not just a good relationship with your son, but also access to grandchildren.
- Quote:
"The last thing you want on the face of the earth is to have your daughter-in-law hate you; because then you lose your son and your grandkids. That’s it. You’ve heard enough calls like that."
(Dr. Laura, 08:58) - Don’t compete with “the new woman”—it’s time to “retire” the mother’s role as the primary woman in her son’s life.
Memorable Quotes and Moments
- [02:51] Dr. Laura:
"He's not allergic to it, so you're not saving his life... It's none of your damn business."
- [03:23] Dr. Laura:
"You're done. He's got a woman. He replaced you, babe."
- [08:58] Dr. Laura:
"The last thing you want on the face of the earth is to have your daughter-in-law hate you; because then you lose your son and your grandkids."
- [07:38] Dr. Laura (on trying avocado for the first time):
"You know I hate avocado. She goes, have you ever tasted an avocado? I said, no. Then how do you know you hate it?"
Important Timestamps
- 01:45 – Yasmin is introduced; explains the avocado dilemma
- 02:39 – Dr. Laura’s initial response: "Nothing, nothing, nothing."
- 03:14 – Dr. Laura’s rules for mothers-in-law
- 07:04 – Dr. Laura shares her personal avocado story
- 08:58 – Big warning about meddling and losing family relationships
Episode Tone and Takeaways
Dr. Laura maintains her signature direct, no-nonsense, slightly irreverent tone. Her advice is clear: when your child gets married, step back—especially about minor issues—and let new relationships develop their own rhythms. Meddling in small things can have outsized, negative consequences.
This episode is both humorous (with relatable personal anecdotes) and empathetic, but firmly keeps boundary-setting at the forefront.
For more tough-love parenting and family advice, listeners are encouraged to call in and engage with Dr. Laura’s long-running radio program.