Well since your families mentioned in front of each other that how much they appreciate your help maybe you should answer your question first. You must have done something or doing things to establish good relationship.

I personally, am doing nothing to establish or maintain the relationship. I talk to them just the way I talk to my husband or friends. If we are on the same line than it is great but if not I don't offer them the spot anyway. It's kind a my way or high way