Dr. Meenu Singh
Authors’ Background: Author Dr. Meenu Singh is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) from the International Coaching Federation (ICF), a Life Coach, NLP Practitioner, and Executive Coach with over 600 hours of one-on-one coaching experience. With a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences and 18+ years of professional experience, Dr. Meenu’s background blends scientific rigour with a passion for helping individuals cultivate meaningful relationships and personal growth!
Questionnaire :
Neel Preet: What inspired you to write this book, “The Intentional Daughter-in-Law?” Was there a particular moment or experience that sparked the idea?
Dr. Meenu Singh:
Yes, there was a defining moment that compelled me to write this book.
Last year, my daughter and I were diagnosed with dengue, and while she recovered quickly, my condition worsened due to my history of high blood pressure. I had to undergo a platelet transfusion, and my body became extremely weak. Lying in that hospital bed, I was shaken to my core. It was a stark reminder of how fragile life is—how we assume we have all the time in the world to do the things we dream of, only to realize that time is never guaranteed.
As a mother to an only child, the thought that haunted me was—What if I am not around when she grows up? How would she learn the values I deeply believe in? Who would guide her in navigating relationships, especially the complex yet significant bond with in-laws?
That moment led me to reflect on my own journey—how I had nurtured my relationship with my mother-in-law, how I had managed everything with intention, empathy, and compassion. And that’s when I made a promise to myself: As soon as I recover, I will put my thoughts on paper. This book became my way of passing down life’s most valuable lessons—not just to my daughter but to every woman who struggles to find peace in her relationships.
It wasn’t just a book—it was my mission.
Neel Preet: You have a background in pharmaceutical sciences and a successful corporate career. How did you transition into coaching and writing?
Dr. Meenu Singh:
Before stepping into the corporate world, I spent eight years as a professor of pharmacy. Teaching was something I truly enjoyed—not just for the knowledge-sharing aspect but for the deep, meaningful connections I built with my students. Being part of their learning journey and shaping young minds brought me immense fulfilment.
However, when I transitioned into the corporate sector, something felt different. While the financial stability was reassuring, I started feeling a void. The human connection I once cherished was missing. In the fast-paced corporate environment, people were constantly occupied, burdened with work and stress, leaving little room for deeper interactions. I found myself wondering—What can I do that allows me to continue my career while also fulfilling my need for meaningful connections?
That’s when I turned to IKIGAI, a concept that helps align passion, profession, mission, and vocation. Through deep reflection and research, I discovered life coaching—a profession that resonated deeply with my intrinsic values. It gave me the opportunity to interact with people, guide them through their challenges, and help them find solutions to improve their lives.
Once I realized this was my calling, I pursued my certification from the International Coaching Federation (ICF), the gold standard in coaching. Since then, coaching has become more than just a passion—it’s a purpose that allows me to make an impact beyond my corporate role. Writing, too, became a natural extension of this journey, as it gave me another way to reach and support people on a larger scale.
Neel Preet: Your book challenges traditional narratives around the daughter-in-law and mother-in-law relationship. Why do you think this topic is so important in Indian society?
Dr. Meenu Singh:
Growing up, I rarely heard stories of daughters-in-law sharing a warm, effortless bond with their in-laws. Instead, the narratives were often filled with struggle, unmet expectations, and tension. I used to wonder—Why is this dynamic so universally difficult?
In many households, I noticed a pattern: daughters-in-law striving to gain their mother-in-law’s approval and feeling like they were constantly falling short, while mothers-in-law carried their own set of expectations, comparing their daughters-in-law to their own ways of doing things, only to feel disappointed. This unspoken battle created unnecessary stress, not just for the two women involved, but for the entire family. When a daughter-in-law feels unsupported, it affects her marriage, her children, and even the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. A strained mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship has a ripple effect, shaping the emotional atmosphere of the home.
I kept wondering—If both individuals are inherently good people, then why does this misalignment persist? When I discovered the power of intention and compassion, I realized that much of the tension stemmed from unspoken fears, conditioned beliefs, and a lack of conscious effort to bridge the gap. I began experimenting with shifting my own thoughts and intentions—and to my surprise, it worked.
When I got married, I made a conscious decision: I will build a strong, positive relationship with my in-laws. I believe, at our core, we all seek love, appreciation, and validation. We want to be heard and understood. And I also learned an important truth—what you think about someone influences your relationship with them far more than what you say or do.
That became my mantra: Maintain pure intentions and ensure alignment between thoughts, words, and actions. I applied this approach to all my relationships, and I saw remarkable shifts—not only in how others responded to me, but in how I felt within those relationships.
This is why I wrote The Intentional Daughter-In-Law—to show that transformation is possible. By shifting our mindset, aligning our intentions, and practicing compassion, we can break generational cycles and cultivate truly harmonious family dynamics.
Neel Preet: Can you share how your personal experiences shaped the themes of the book, especially while navigating your mother-in-law’s cancer diagnosis?
Dr. Meenu Singh:
As I mentioned earlier, my guiding principle has always been to maintain alignment between my thoughts, words, and actions. This approach had worked well in my relationships, but when my mother-in-law was diagnosed with cancer and moved in with us for her treatment, I found myself in a completely new reality.
Visiting in-laws for a week or two each year is one thing—having them live with you for an extended period is entirely different. The dynamics shift. As the lady of the house, you’re used to running things a certain way, but when your mother-in-law moves in, that autonomy changes. There are bound to be differences in how things are done, in expectations, and even in the daily rhythm of the household. On top of everything I was already managing—my career, parenting, and household responsibilities—I was now stepping into the role of a caregiver.
And caregiving for someone battling a terminal illness like cancer is emotionally and physically exhausting. Watching a loved one suffer, navigating their pain and struggles, and yet remaining steady for the rest of the family—it takes a toll. But in those moments, I reminded myself: I may be a daughter-in-law by title, but in this moment, I am expected to act as a daughter.
That shift in mindset was crucial. Instead of resisting the changes, I leaned into them with love and compassion. I reminded myself that caregiving wasn’t just about fulfilling a duty—it was about showing up wholeheartedly, about being a source of warmth and strength.
While writing The Intentional Daughter-In-Law, I poured my heart and soul into it because I wanted to share, through my own journey, that change is possible. When we shift our intentions and approach relationships with patience and empathy, we don’t just navigate challenges—we transform them. These principles worked for me, and I truly believe they can work for anyone willing to give them a try.
Neel Preet: How did your expertise as a Life Coach and NLP Practitioner influence the insights and practical advice you included in the book?
Dr. Meenu Singh:
It had a profound impact. In both Life Coaching and NLP, we are trained to approach people with compassion, to listen deeply—not just to words, but to the emotions and unspoken messages behind them. We learn to read between the lines, to notice verbal and nonverbal cues, and to create a space where people feel seen and heard without judgment.
One of the fundamental principles of coaching is to respect each person’s perspective and beliefs. As a coach, I don’t impose my views—I empower people to discover their own solutions in alignment with their values. This perspective shaped the way I wrote The Intentional Daughter-In-Law. Instead of telling readers what they should do, I offer insights and reflections that empower them to navigate their relationships in a way that feels right for them.
Becoming a Life Coach wasn’t just a professional choice; it was an extension of who I already was. My core values—compassion, empathy, and intentionality—aligned perfectly with coaching, and going through structured training in Life Coaching and NLP helped me deepen my understanding of these principles.
This book is an extension of that journey. It’s not just a collection of personal stories but a practical guide that integrates the same mindset shifts and tools I use in coaching to help readers transform their relationships with intention and understanding.
Neel Preet: Your book emphasises love, empathy and proactive communication. What are some small yet impactful changes that daughters-in-law can make to improve this relationship?
Dr. Meenu Singh:
That’s a great question! And honestly, the first step isn’t about doing something—it’s about deciding.
Ask yourself: “Am I truly willing to do what it takes to improve this relationship?” If the answer is yes, then you’re already halfway there. Because willingness opens the door to change.
The next step is intention—aligning your thoughts, words, and actions. Many times, we say things just to sound polite or to maintain peace, but if our thoughts contradict our words, the energy of that misalignment is felt. For example, if you say, “You manage everything in the house so well” but internally, you don’t believe it or you’re feeling resentment, it’s better to remain silent. Instead, try to find something genuinely positive to appreciate. Your mother-in-law will sense the sincerity, and that can shift the dynamic.
Practical Tips for Small Yet Powerful Changes:
- Be Mindful of Your Thoughts – Your mother-in-law senses your intentions before your words. If you truly want a positive relationship, start by thinking kindly about her, not just speaking politely. Your energy will reflect in your interactions.
- Don’t Assume—Communicate Proactively – Instead of overthinking or assuming the worst, address concerns directly. If she seems distant, ask gently: “Mummy, I noticed you didn’t respond earlier. Were you busy, or did I miss something?” This prevents unnecessary misunderstandings.
- Create Small Moments of Connection – Simple gestures like making her favourite dish, asking for her advice, or inviting her for a walk can slowly build warmth and trust. Small, consistent actions matter more than grand gestures.
Neel Preet: Cultural expectations often create tension between a daughter-in-law and her new family. How can one balance personal identity with family expectations?
Dr. Meenu Singh:
Balancing personal identity with family expectations is one of the biggest challenges a daughter-in-law faces, especially in cultures where traditional roles are deeply ingrained. The key is to embrace adaptability without losing authenticity.
- Define Your Core Values – Before trying to fit into family expectations, be clear about who you are. Ask yourself: What values matter most to me? What am I willing to adjust, and what are my non-negotiables? When you’re grounded in your identity, compromises feel like choices rather than sacrifices.
- Set Boundaries with Love – Boundaries don’t mean rebellion; they mean clarity. For example, if you need personal time, say, “Mummy, I’d love to join, but I need some time to finish my work. Let’s sit together afterward.” This way, you acknowledge family expectations while honouring your needs.
- Reframe Expectations as Opportunities – Instead of seeing expectations as burdens, find ways to make them work for you. If there’s a family tradition you don’t fully resonate with, can you bring your own touch to it? For instance, if cooking together is expected, use it as a bonding opportunity rather than a duty.
- Open Conversations, Not Conflicts – When expectations feel overwhelming, communicate instead of resisting. Instead of saying “I don’t want to do this,” try “I understand this is important to you. Can we find a way that works for both of us?” Finding middle ground strengthens relationships while preserving individuality.
Balancing identity and family expectations isn’t about choosing one over the other—it’s about integrating both in a way that allows harmony to flourish.
Neel Preet: What was the most challenging part of writing “The Intentional Daughter-in-Law” and were there any moments where you struggled with the narrative?
Dr. Meenu Singh:
Absolutely, there were moments of struggle, and the most challenging part was overcoming the self-doubt that crept in from time to time. I often questioned—Why would anyone beyond my family want to read this? What value would they find in my deeply personal journey? Since it was a non-fiction narrative, I knew every detail intimately, but translating that into a compelling story while ensuring readers could extract meaningful insights was not easy.
I didn’t want the book to feel like a collection of advice detached from real-life experiences. My goal was to strike a delicate balance—sharing my journey as it truly unfolded while weaving in the lessons I learned along the way, in a way that felt natural and relatable rather than preachy.
But the turning point came when I reminded myself why I was writing this book. I thought about my daughter. If nothing else, this book would be my gift to her—something she could turn to for guidance when navigating relationships in her own life. And if my story could help even one woman out there struggling with the same challenges, then it was worth sharing.
Once I embraced that clarity, the words began to flow. Of course, there were still difficult moments—revisiting certain memories, ensuring the emotions were conveyed authentically, and structuring the narrative so that readers could connect with both the struggles and the triumphs. But every time I heard from a reader who resonated with the book, who found comfort or a new perspective within its pages, I knew that pushing through those challenges was worth it. Seeing the impact this book is making has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.
Neel Preet: What key takeaway do you hope readers will carry with them after reading this book of yours?
Dr. Meenu Singh:
If there’s one key takeaway, I hope readers carry with them, it’s this—your thoughts shape your relationships far more than your words or actions alone. True harmony with in-laws isn’t about changing them, nor is it about losing yourself in the process. The reality is, you cannot change another person; all you can change is how you choose to respond in a given situation.
It’s about having pure intentions, aligning your thoughts, words, and actions, and approaching relationships with empathy rather than assumptions. Small shifts in mindset—being intentional, communicating proactively, and choosing compassion—can create profound changes. At the end of it all, what truly matters is how you manage to stay peaceful within yourself. If readers walk away realizing that they have the power to cultivate peace and happiness in their relationships, regardless of external circumstances, then this book has fulfilled its purpose.
Neel Preet: Now that “The Intentional Daughter-in-Law” is out, what’s next for you as an author? Can the readers expect more such incredible works in the future?
Dr. Meenu Singh:
For now, my focus is on ensuring that “The Intentional Daughter-in-Law” reaches millions of women who are still searching for peace and harmony in their relationships. The more women who read it, the more families will begin to experience a shift—greater understanding, deeper connections, and a home filled with love rather than tension. After all, my mission has always been to help people elevate their life experiences and truly embrace happiness.
As for what’s next—writing this book has been a deeply fulfilling journey, and I can see myself continuing to share insights that help people navigate relationships with greater ease. While I don’t have a new book in the works just yet, I know that this is just the beginning. There are so many untold stories and powerful lessons waiting to be shared. So, who knows? Maybe another book will find its way to me soon!
Buy the book written by Meenu Singh : The Intentional Daughter-in-Law
