Shy's Mystic Tarot Cards Dear Uncle Grumpy, My mother-in-law makes me so mad, because she won't do things my way when babysitting my children. A lot of things have changed since she had kids, and a lot of her old methods are psychologically harmful to my kids. My ex-husband has skipped out on child support, so I can't afford daycare. What can I do? Penniless Mom, Houston, TX Dear Mom, In my day of ancient yore, mothers of lovers always proved to be the Mothers of all mothers! They could not read, or would not for stubbornness, and were therefore ignorant. Yet, they possessed unmeasurable power over all members of family, which power they wielded with evil satisfaction. I see this has not changed. My advice to thee is to present the cocky woman with many written papers from renowned scholars, supporting thy child-rearing ideals. She will then feel foolish for not reading, and will quietly bend to thy way. Also, a spell which I never miss an opportunity to practice upon a mother-in-law is such: Stand before her abode and recite, "Wootchee Zootchee Balsie Newtchee," after which thou mayst enter fearlessly. (This means, "I now have the power, whilst thine hast gone sour.") Send your Question to Uncle Grumpy by Email at shydesmith@yahoo.com PREVIOUS HOME