My Mother-in-Law Volunteered to Watch Our Kids for a Week Over the Holidays—But When I Went to Pick Them Up, My Heart Shattered

My stomach churned. “Other things?

What do you mean by that?”

Jean’s face turned red as she mumbled, “I… I didn’t use the money for the kids. I’ve been struggling with my bills, and I thought if I could get some help with the house and the garden, I could save some money.”

For a moment, I couldn’t speak. The betrayal hit me like a punch to the gut.

“So, you used my children as free labor?” I said, my voice trembling. She flinched but didn’t deny it. “It wasn’t like that, Abby,” she insisted, her voice defensive.

“I thought it would be good for them—teach them hard work.”

“Hard work?” I repeated, my voice rising. “They’re kids, Jean! I gave you that money so you could give them a week of fun and memories.

Not… this.” I gestured toward the backyard, where Lucas and Sophie sat on the porch, their small faces pale and weary. It hit me then—this wasn’t just about the garden. Jean had always tried to exert control, to show she knew best, and now she’d dragged my kids into her twisted sense of right and wrong.

I knelt in front of Lucas and Sophie, pulling them into my arms. “I’m so sorry, babies,” I whispered, my voice cracking. “This isn’t what I wanted for you.”

I stood, turning back to Jean, whose head hung low in shame.

“Jean,” I said, my voice steady but sharp, “we’re leaving. My kids deserve to be kids—not workers in your garden.”

Her lips trembled as she stammered, “I… I thought I was doing the right thing.”Continue reading…