What happens when your in-laws become a source of tension instead of support?
In this week’s episode of The Catholic Woman Podcast, host Marie Hanson sits down with Miriam Susan, a Catholic convert and mother of six, to talk about one of the hardest and most overlooked struggles in Catholic marriage, toxic in-laws and unhealthy family dynamics.
They dive deep into what the proper order of a Catholic family really looks like: God first, then your spouse, your children, and finally extended family. Together, they unpack how that order helps restore peace, clarity, and unity when outside influences threaten your marriage.
You’ll hear Miriam’s personal experience navigating in-law relationships as a Catholic wife and mother, including what she learned about setting healthy boundaries, overcoming guilt, and relying on prayer and grace to protect her marriage.
Topics in this episode include:
The true order of a Catholic family (God → Spouse → Children → Others)
How toxic in-laws can undermine your marriage and faith life
What “honor your parents” really means in Catholic teaching
Practical ways to set boundaries in a faith-filled, respectful way
How to pray through conflict and strengthen your marriage spiritually
Understanding manipulation, guilt, and the cycle of control
Why protecting your marriage is not selfish, it’s holy
If you’ve ever felt torn between honoring your parents and staying loyal to your spouse, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and a Christ-centered roadmap to peace.
Tune in for practical Catholic marriage advice, deep spiritual insight, and real conversations about family order, prayer, and faith in marriage.
For more from Miriam visit https://desiringpeace.com/podcast
Grab Miriam’s free journal to help set healthy boundaries, protect your family, and reclaim your God-given peace - without compromising your Catholic values.
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Keywords: Catholic marriage, toxic in-laws, Catholic family order, Catholic wife advice, Catholic faith and family, setting boundaries, Catholic prayer and marriage, Catholic motherhood, Catholic podcast for women, Christian marriage podcast, family dynamics and faith, honoring parents in marriage, Catholic relationship advice, Catholic spiritual growth, faith-based marriage