Every grandmother loves spending quality time with their grandkids during the holidays. But when my six-year-old granddaughter started calling me names, I put a plan in motion that helped me discover that not everyone in your life will appreciate you.
Every holiday, I look forward to having Brittany, my six-year-old granddaughter, stay with me for the winter break. I was excited about our usual traditions: baking cookies, watching movies, and spoiling her with gifts. But last year changed everything.
Chocolate chip cookies baking on a pan on the stove counter at Christmas | Source: Midjourney
The week before her arrival, I transformed my house into a winter wonderland. Also, my kitchen counters disappeared under bags of flour, sugar, and chocolate chips for her favorite Christmas cookies. I really went all out to make it special for her.
Anyway, when I pulled up to my son, Todd, and his wife Rachel’s house to pick her up, Brittany burst through the front door with her PAW Patrol backpack bouncing behind her. Her pink winter coat was only half-zipped, and one of her boots was untied.
Little blonde girl running through the front yard holding a Paw Patrol backpack | Source: Midjourney
“Nanny!” she squealed, launching herself into my arms. Her hair smelled like strawberry shampoo, and she squeezed my neck so tight I could barely breathe. “Did you get the special hot chocolate? The one with the little marshmallows?”
“Of course, I did, sweetheart. And maybe some other surprises too.” I winked at her while fixing her coat and boot.
Rachel appeared in the doorway, phone in hand. “Her pajamas are in the front pocket,” she said without looking up. “And try not to give her too much sugar this time. Last visit, she was bouncing off the walls for days after.”
I gave Rachel a reassuring smile and ushered Brittany to my car.
Elegant woman in her 60s smiling in her front yard | Source: Midjourney
That first night, Brittany refused to sleep in the guest room. “Please, Nanny? I want to see the Christmas tree lights!” She looked up at me with those big brown eyes, clutching her favorite stuffed dog. “Chase wants to see them too!”
I wasn’t sure about a child sleeping in the living room, but I figured one time wouldn’t hurt. So, I helped her make a nest of blankets on the couch, right where she could see the tree.
While I cooked dinner, she sprawled out with her coloring books, humming along to the Christmas music playing softly in the background.
Little blonde girl coloring on a kitchen island | Source: Midjourney
“Hey, old lady,” she called out suddenly, giggling. “Can I have some juice?”
I nearly dropped the spatula. “What did you say, honey?”
“Old lady!” she repeated, giggling harder. “Can I have apple juice?”
I gave her the juice and brushed off her words… at first. I knew kids picked up all sorts of things at school.
But over the next few days, things got worse. The playful “old lady” turned into “wrinkly hag” and other names that made my stomach twist.
Elegant woman in her 60s looking worried in her living room | Source: Midjourney
These weren’t things children should say, but Brittany never said them maliciously. I think she thought they were just nicknames, but I had to find out for sure.
One afternoon, while Brittany was coloring again, I pulled up a chair beside her. “Brit, honey, where did you learn to call me ‘old lady’ and ‘ha-hag’?” I stuttered. “Was it at kindergarten? Did you hear the other kids say them to others?”
Without missing a beat, she shook her head. “That’s what Mom and Dad say about you all the time when you call!”
A little blonde girl coloring with an elegant woman in her 60s sitting beside her looking worried | Source: Midjourney
My heart stopped.
Todd and Rachel? My own son and daughter-in-law were speaking about me like this? To their six-year-old? That wasn’t fair, especially after everything I’d done for them over the years.
My late husband and I had helped them buy their home, and I’d later chipped in with their mortgage payments. Also, I’d often rearranged my schedule to watch Brittany when their babysitter canceled.
I’d even paid for their family vacation to Disney World last summer. My eyes watered, remembering Rachel’s tight smile when I handed her the check. “You really don’t have to do this,” she’d said, but she took it anyway.
Woman in her 30s with a tight face holding a check in her living room | Source: Midjourney
Had she been resenting my help all along?
That night, I came up with a plan, but I knew I had to wait until my granddaughter’s vacation was over
The next day, I gently explained to Brittany that calling me those names wasn’t nice, and to her credit, she stopped. We spent the rest of her winter break enjoying our usual activities.
We baked enough cookies to feed an army, watched every Christmas movie in my collection twice, and stayed up until 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve drinking hot chocolate with extra marshmallows.
A woman in her 60s sitting on a couch with her little granddaughter watching movies | Source: Midjourney
A few days after New Year’s, it was time to take Brittany back to Todd’s. While she was in the bathroom, I hesitated, then slipped a small voice recorder into her PAW Patrol backpack.
When I dropped her off, Rachel barely looked up from her phone. That was fine with me; I wasn’t sure I could hide my feelings.
I focused on my girl instead, hugging her extra tightly. “Love you, sweetheart,” I whispered.
“Love you too, Nanny,” she replied, skipping inside with her backpack.
Blonde little girl running to the front door of a house | Source: Midjourney
I went home and waited. I knew the recorder wouldn’t last more than a day, but I didn’t want to seem overeager. I waited almost two weeks before I finally called Rachel.
My hands shook as I dialed. “I was thinking Brittany might like to spend the weekend,” I said, keeping my voice light. “It’s been so quiet without her.”
“Oh, sure,” Rachel replied with a sigh. “That would be… helpful. We were thinking of having some people over anyway.”
Woman in her 30s holding a phone and looking inconvenienced | Source: Midjourney
That Friday, when Brittany arrived, I waited until she was engrossed in her new PAW Patrol episode before retrieving the recorder from her backpack. My fingers trembled as I plugged it into my computer.
At first, there was mostly crackling or incomprehensible noise. But then Rachel’s voice came through loud and clear, and soon, Todd joined the conversation.
They talked about nothing important for what felt like an eternity. And then, I heard it.
“She’s so exhausting,” Rachel said. “Always calling, always trying to help. Like we can’t raise our own child? Did you see how many toys she bought this time? She’s trying to buy Brittany’s love.”
Woman in her 60s walking through the mall holding bags of toys | Source: Midjourney
“I know, but she’s my mom,” Todd said weakly. “She means well.”
“Well, I’m sick of it,” Rachel added. “I bet she has Easter already planned for us and this summer’s vacation. I thought telling Brittany to call her names would get her to back off, but I bet she’ll be calling to babysit soon.”
“I’m tired of her meddling too,” my son chimed in. “Maybe, we should start putting some boundaries. Let’s plan something for this summer for ourselves.”
A blonde man in his 30s looking worried while talking to a woman at the kitchen table | Source: Midjourney
That was more than enough. I slammed the laptop shut and breathed intently through my nose.
I had all the confirmation I needed. They had intentionally set up my granddaughter to call me names. They also thought I was too intrusive in their lives.
Fine. If they wanted boundaries, I’d give them boundaries. They wanted me to mind my own business? I’d do just that.
That Sunday, I invited them for dinner. I made Todd’s favorite lasagna and even bought Rachel’s preferred wine. Brittany ate too much and fell asleep on the couch afterward. I thought that was a good time to face my son and daughter-in-law.
Little blonde girl sleeping on a couch | Source: Midjourney
“I have something you need to hear,” I said, setting my laptop on the dining table and pressing play.
Their faces went pale as their own voices filled the room. Rachel’s wine glass froze halfway to her mouth.
“Mom, I can explain,” Todd stammered but wouldn’t meet my gaze.
I held up my hand. “No excuses,” I said. “I’ve spent years supporting you both, loving you, being there whenever you needed me. And this is what you do? Teach my granddaughter to disrespect me?”
Elegant woman in her 60s sitting on a kitchen table with one hand up looking serious and upset | Source: Midjourney
I pulled out a bag of new toys I’d bought for Brittany. “These are for her. Because no matter what you think of me, I will always love that little girl. But things need to change. If you don’t appreciate my help or generosity, then I’m done.”
Rachel sat there, mouth opening and closing like a fish. Todd slumped in his chair, looking like the little boy who used to crawl into my bed during thunderstorms.
A man and woman in their 30s looking surprised and sad sitting at the kitchen table | Source: Midjourney
“These are the boundaries you wanted: no more financial help and no more babysitting unless I want to,” I sighed, crossing my arms. They still couldn’t say a word, and honestly, I didn’t want to hear anything from them. “I think it’s time you take Brittany home. Don’t call me unless it’s an emergency.”
Slowly, they stood and left quietly, carrying their sleeping daughter and the bag of toys. I locked the door behind them and sank onto my couch, exhausted but somehow lighter.
Elegant woman in her 60s sitting on a couch looking relaxed but pensive | Source: Midjourney
A while later, I made myself a cup of tea and turned on my favorite show. The house felt too quiet without Brittany’s giggles and running footsteps.
Sometimes standing up for yourself hurts, but it’s better than letting people walk all over you. I just hoped that one day, my family would understand that my love didn’t mean they could take me for granted, or that they could teach my precious granddaughter to hurt me.
Elegant woman in her 60s sitting on a couch drinking tea looking relaxed but pensive | Source: Midjourney
My MIL Went on My Honeymoon to Make My Life Hell — I Didn’t Want to Put up with It & Planned the Perfect Payback
My story is about learning to set boundaries, respect, and so much more. What started off as a trip for a loving couple ended up being a strained vacation which included my troublesome mother-in-law. Luckily, I had a plan that helped remedy my problem.
What was meant to be a romantic getaway for me and my new husband turned into a nightmare very quickly when an unexpected guest joined us. Let me backtrack a bit and explain how all this happened.
An upset woman climbing out of a car | Source: Pexels
My husband, Mike, and I were getting ready to go on our honeymoon. We had planned this trip for months, and I was buzzing with excitement! As we got into the car to head to the airport, Mike casually mentioned that we needed to stop by his mother’s place first.
“Why?” I asked, puzzled. “Because she’s coming with us.” I was confused and asked, “What?” Sighing, he explained, “She’s never been on a vacation or traveled abroad in her entire life, so it’s only fair she goes with us.”
An upset woman driving with a man | Source: Pexels
To say I was stunned would be an understatement! “When were you planning to tell me this? And what about our previous reservations?” I asked, trying to keep my voice calm. “I changed the reservations and tickets a while ago,” he informed me.
“The truth is she insisted on it, and I thought you wouldn’t mind since you’re such a kind person.” That statement took me from confused to LIVID! I was furious that he had decided everything without me and had changed our bookings.
An upset woman arguing with a man | Source: Pexels
Just the idea of being away on the islands with my mother-in-law (MIL) for two weeks sounded like hell! I was so torn that I even considered canceling everything! But then a BRILLIANT IDEA STRUCK ME! When we got to my MIL’s place, my husband went out to fetch her.
While Mike was loading his mother’s luggage into our car, I made a quick phone call. “Mom, hi. I have a bit of a problem,” I began. “What happened, dear?” Her voice sounded concerned. “My MIL made Mike take her with us on our honeymoon.”
A bag tied on top of a car | Source: Pixabay
“What?! Oh no, Elle!” my mother exclaimed in shock and instant disappointment. “She’s coming with us to the islands, and I have no idea how I’m going to handle it. Could you and Dad join us? I’ll book your tickets.” Concerned, she asked, “How did that happen?”
“I can’t get into details now, Mom. I need to act quickly.” Mom immediately grasped the situation and replied with understanding, “Of course, dear. Your father and I would be happy to come! Let us know where you’ll be staying, and we’ll arrange everything.”
A woman talking on the phone | Source: Pexels
I booked their tickets online without wasting any time and shared all the details with Mom. She promised to do everything possible to ensure I could enjoy my time with Mike without worrying about my busybody of a MIL.
When we arrived at the islands, the nightmare began immediately. Linda followed us EVERYWHERE! She was CONSTANTLY complaining and demanding her son’s attention. We couldn’t get a break or any alone time with her around.
A woman at an exotic location | Source: Midjourney
“Mike, bring me a towel. Mike, order me a cocktail. Mike, help me choose souvenirs.” Her incessant requests were ENDLESS! It felt as if she were his wife, not me. Instead, I felt like I was some sort of servant.
The first two days were a disaster! Linda ensured that she was the center of attention. And every romantic moment I had envisioned was quickly ruined. She criticized the hotel, the food, and EVEN the weather!
An unhappy woman | Source: Pexels
Mike, caught between his mother and me, tried to keep the peace. But he ended up spending MOST of his time catering to her whims. On the second night, we decided to have a special dinner by the beach. Just as I thought we were about to enjoy a moment alone, Linda INSISTED on joining us.
She spent the entire meal complaining about the sand and the mosquitoes, leaving me seething with frustration! At one point, she even managed to spill her drink all over MY dress! Instead of apologizing, she laughed it off!
A spilled drink | Source: Pexels
“Oh dear, I’m so clumsy. Mike, can you get her another drink?” was her response to the disaster. I could see the strain on my husband’s face as he tried to juggle his mother’s demands with my growing frustration.
The romantic beachside dinner turned into another exercise in patience. The next morning, Linda decided that she wanted to go snorkeling. This was a plan Mike and I had initially made for ourselves. “It’s not safe for you to go alone,” she insisted. “Mike, you should come with me.”
Three people on a hike | Source: Midjourney
I had reached my breaking point. I needed an ally, someone who would understand my predicament and help me reclaim my honeymoon. Thankfully, two days later, my parents arrived. My mother, Diane, and my father, Jack, played the perfect loving couple!
Their gestures were romantic with movie-like kisses, driving Linda CRAZY with jealousy! See, my MIL had left her husband at home and came on vacation alone. So she was stuck being exposed to my mom and dad who looked like happy, affectionate old lovebirds.
A loving couple | Source: Pexels
They laid the affection thick, holding hands, whispering sweet nothings, and kissing frequently. This made Linda’s jealousy palpable! I was honestly shocked as I’d never seen my parents act like that before. But they seemed to be enjoying themselves, so I didn’t mind.
“I’ve never seen such an old loving couple,” Linda grumbled as we all had dinner together. “All those hugs and kisses… it’s just ridiculous.”
“We’re enjoying life,” Mom replied with a smile. “What else is there to do in such a wonderful place?”
A couple sharing a toast and a kiss | Source: Pexels
Linda’s jealousy reached new heights when Mom and Dad joined us for breakfast the next day. They fed each other bites of fruit and laughed over shared memories. My MIL could barely contain her irritation.
“Jack, do you remember our trip to Paris?” Mom asked, her eyes twinkling. “That little café by the Seine?”
“Oh, how could I forget? The croissants were divine, but your company was even better,” Dad replied, kissing her hand.
A couple being romantic | Source: Pexels
Linda rolled her eyes and muttered something under her breath. I couldn’t help but smirk, feeling a small sense of victory. With my MIL preoccupied with my parents, Mike and I finally had a few romantic moments.
One evening, as we strolled along the beach, he stopped and looked into my eyes. “I’m sorry, my love,” he said quietly. “I realize now it wasn’t fair to you. My mom shouldn’t have come with us.” I sighed and took his hand. “The important thing is that we’re here together.”
A couple strolling on the beach | Source: Pexels
“And we’ll find a way to enjoy this honeymoon, even with your mom around.” Returning to our hotel, we saw Mom and Dad playing cards with Linda. They laughed and joked as if they were old friends. “How were your walks?” Mom asked, noticing us.
“Wonderful,” Mike replied, hugging me. “We found a cozy spot for dinner tomorrow. Maybe we could go just the two of us?” he asked. “Of course,” Mom winked. “We’ll stay here and take care of Clarissa.”
Two happy women sitting by a table | Source: Pexels
The next day, Mike and I finally had a proper romantic evening. We sat on the beach, watched the sunset, and shared dreams about our future. “You know,” he said, holding my hand, “I never thought a honeymoon could be so… eventful. But I’m glad we’re here together.”
“Me too,” I replied, smiling. “And I’m grateful to my parents for coming. Perhaps we can find more time for the two of us.” Mike said he’d love that and we shared a warm and loving kiss.
A happy couple sitting on the beach | Source: Pexels
When we returned to the hotel, we saw my MIL saying goodnight to my parents. “It was a lovely evening,” she said to them reluctantly. “Thank you for the company.” My parents smiled and winked at me. They knew they were making our vacation better.
This honeymoon tested us, but we emerged stronger. And I was grateful to my parents for their support and love. In the end, what was supposed to be a nightmare turned into a memorable experience, thanks to my parents.
Three people playing a game | Source: Freepik
It taught Mike and me the importance of communication and setting boundaries. It showed Linda that her son’s happiness depended on his marriage, not her whims. A few weeks after we returned home, Mike and I sat down with Linda.
Gently but firmly, we set some new ground rules for our relationship. Surprisingly, she agreed, perhaps realizing that her son’s happiness was at stake. “Thank you for understanding, Mom,” Mike said, hugging her. “We love you, but we also need our space.”
A mother and her son hugging | Source: Freepik
“Of course, dear,” Linda replied, a hint of sadness in her eyes. “I just want you both to be happy.” And with that, we began to rebuild our lives, stronger and more united than ever.
A sad woman | Source: Pexels
Elle managed to put her MIL in her place nicely. In the following tale, Barbara thought she would get into her MIL’s good graces by throwing her a surprise birthday party. Instead, the older woman thanked her by bringing her to tears and making her run away from her own party.
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
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