Despite other posters' feelings, however admirable, about taking needy children 'under the wing', not everyone is able to do so. Lyla shouldn't be obliged to her MIL, nor be made to feel guilty about refusing this request. No reasons, just keep repeating 'I'm sorry, but it's just not possible right now'. And expect her husband to back her to the hilt. By which I don't mean some half-hearted, muttered 'I-dunno-Lyla's-a-bit-funny-at-the-moment', but a wholehearted, unconditional support of his partner.