As a recent and delighted recruit to the MIL ranks, I’m now alert to any hint of mockery or criticism directed at us. Now, being a MIL might make you a Most Important Lady or even a Madly Improper one, but it also makes you the mother-in-law – that magnificent cohort of women who several generations of comedians should thank for providing them with a decent living.

Personally, I’ve always thought the mockery of MILs is way over the top. I’ve never understood how someone can be a much-maligned mother-in-law and a doting granny all at the same time. MILs are accused of interfering, where grannies are seen as offering helpful advice and support. And now, after patiently, stoically and with the best of good grace letting it all wash over us, the ultimate indignity has been hurled.

A new survey on family life in the UK has suggested that dogs and cats are more likely to be considered close family members than us MILs. Can you believe it? Could it ever be the case in this country?

Asked to choose who they would consider to be close family members from a list of options, only 21% opted for their mother-in-law, compared with 22% who selected their pets. Now, that’s all fine and dandy, but I’d like to see what help Rover or Kitty would be if they were asked to mind the grandchildren for any period of time.

A recent study by Trinity College researchers that covered 7,500 older people, found that 60% of grandparents had looked after their grandchildren at some stage in the previous month. It also found a huge reliance on grandparents as parents try to avoid crippling childcare costs. Indeed, it’s estimated that grandparents are looking after one-third of the infants that are in childcare. Interestingly, the study also found that grandparents who provide over 60 hours of childcare per month are more likely to suffer from signs of depression. This can be offset, the study finds, if they also take part in social or leisure activities or have a higher level of education. The findings are part of the Irish Study on Aging (TILDA) project and will be published later this year.

My own mother was never one too willing to mind the grandchildren. She had this saying: “The second clutch killed the auld hen.” So, you knew where she stood on the matter. Mind you, she was an older granny and when I’m her age I won’t fancy chasing around after a two-year-old either.

Meanwhile, last week I had the pleasure of presenting prizes to the winners of the Lismullin School of Culinary and Home Arts Healthy Eating competition. The secondary school students had to plan, cost, cook and present a main course and dessert for four people with a budget of €20. They also had to use local produce, reduce the use of salt and write a short essay on the social value of eating together with family and friends. Congratulations to all who took part and especially to Ashbourne Community School who were runners-up and Mean Scoil Mhuire from Longford who were the winners.

Finally, be sure to read Money Mentor on page 13, where Peter Young looks at how many farmers and their spouses are missing out on social welfare entitlements. CL