"Having a baby changes the way you view your in-laws. I love it when they come to visit now. They can hold the baby and I can go out"

Having a baby often transforms relationships and perspectives, especially between new parents and their in-laws. Parenthood introduces a host of responsibilities and demands, making parents appreciate any opportunity for rest or assistance. The humor in Matthew Broderick’s words reflects how priorities and sentiments shift after welcoming a child. Prior to becoming a parent, in-laws' visits may have felt obligatory, disruptive, or even mildly stressful. Suddenly, after the arrival of a baby, those same visits are seen in a new, more positive light.

The statement highlights the relief and gratitude new parents often feel when family members offer to help with childcare. It captures the exhaustion that accompanies tending to a newborn, underlining the need for support and moments to recharge. The presence of grandparents or in-laws, once a cause for tidying up the house or preparing meals, becomes a chance to hand over the baby, if only for a little while. Traditional familial roles shift as the needs of the child and the parents’ well-being take center stage.

There’s also an implicit acknowledgment of the cyclical nature of family: parents once dependent on their own mothers and fathers become adults relying on elders for help in the next generation. The verb "hold the baby" evokes trust and the idea of sharing the demanding moments of parenthood. The desire to “go out” isn’t simply about escaping duty but about reclaiming small freedoms that suddenly feel rare and precious.

Matthew Broderick’s quote wraps this reality in a gentle, self-deprecating humor. It exposes the paradox of family visits, what was once tedious becomes welcome, emphasizing that relationships can evolve, especially when circumstances change. The laughter embedded in the statement connects with any parent who has ever longed for a quiet moment or a short break, reinforcing how parenthood reframes the value of supportive family ties.