Im Abby, 34, married to Brad, and we have two kids, Lucas (8) and Sophie (6). My relationship with my mother-in-law, Jean, has always been polite but a little tense. When she offered to take the kids for a full week during their holiday break, I agreed, hoping it would be a chance for them to bond and for Brad and me to rest. I even gave her $1,000 to make sure they had everything they needed. I expected a week full of treats, activities, and happy memories.

When I went to pick them up, something felt off right away. The house was quiet, and Jean’s smile seemed forced. She finally told me the kids were in the backyard “helping her.” When I stepped outside, I found Lucas and Sophie tired, dirty, and wearing clothes that weren’t theirs. They ran to me immediately, clearly relieved, and I could sense this wasn’t just a messy play day.

I calmly asked Jean what had happened. She explained that she had them doing chores the whole week, saying she was teaching them responsibility. She also admitted she hadn’t spent the money on the kids the way it was intended and had used it for her own needs instead. In that moment, I realized this wasn’t about helping or bonding—it was about control and taking advantage of both their time and my trust.

I gathered my children and left, keeping my voice steady so they wouldn’t feel scared or stressed. I told Jean we wouldn’t be back until she understood how children deserve to be treated—with care, joy, and respect. On the drive home, Lucas and Sophie relaxed, and I knew I made the right decision. Some lessons aren’t theirs to learn—sometimes, they’re for adults.