Ha! Same scenario over here.

My wifes mom saw me interacting with my mom, I think it confused the hell out of her, because we were genuinely laughing telling jokes and exchanging "I love you"s

wow, and fun fact - the culture which I was born into, people barely say "I love you" or hug their kids.! now I am in a culture where the parents and kids are like friends, always hugging and kissing, lots of sharing and spending time together.

It's crazy to see how culture could have such a BIG influence on parenting.

Natalia

I think whats interesting in my wife's case, is that the relationship she has with her family significantly improved. In between was a daily/weekly screaming match.....nowadays they say "I love you" before hanging up the phone. Maybe time, communication, and love are the key. All families are different tho