DEAR ABBY: We live down the street from my boyfriend's mother. Our 3-year-old daughter spends a few hours there while I'm at work and her dad is running errands. My daughter loves her grandparents, so I don't mind her spending time with them.

The problem I have is, my boyfriend's mother repeats everything I say to my daughter right after I say it when I ask her to do something! It drives me crazy. My boyfriend tells me to say something to her, but I have no idea what to say. Please help. -- ECHOED IN ALASKA

DEAR ECHOED: Stop complaining. At least your mother-in-law agrees with you and reinforces what you tell your daughter. Consider it a small price you pay for free baby-sitting.