When Lena agrees to drive her neighbor Karen’s daughter, Emily, to school as a one-time favor, she never expects it to become a daily routine. But Karen’s requests turn into a constant expectation, and when Lena asks her to return the favor, Karen lies, claiming her car is “too full” to take Lena’s daughter, Sophie. Frustrated, Lena decides to teach Karen a lesson.
The next day, Lena agrees to take Emily again but makes an extra stop at Sophie’s favorite donut shop, taking her time and ensuring they’ll be late. By the time they arrive, Karen is furious, waiting for Lena with a forced smile and a curt reprimand. Lena simply suggests that Karen might take Emily herself next time.
The tactic works. Karen stops asking Lena for rides, now taking Emily herself, and avoids Lena out of embarrassment. Lena realizes that being a good neighbor doesn’t mean being a doormat — sometimes you have to stand up for yourself.
I Found Out My Daughter-in-Law Uses Trips to My House as a Punishment — So I Came Up with a Smart Strategy
Upon learning that her daughter-in-law sends her grandchildren to her as a form of discipline, Gina feels both upset and determined. Instead of reacting angrily, she makes sure her home is a safe haven for her grandchildren. Eventually, she decides to teach her daughter-in-law an unforgettable lesson.
“We are only here because you ate that candy that Mom was saving for Dad, Jacob. Mom told you not to!” I overheard my grandson, Thomas, telling his younger brother.
I paused in the kitchen, torn between the fridge and the counter, straining to catch more of their conversation. My heart sank, dreading that I had heard Thomas correctly, as it could mean my grandchildren weren’t genuinely eager to visit me.
I walked towards them slowly, trying to act casual.
“What do you mean by that, sweetheart?” I asked.
Thomas looked up, eyes wide in surprise.
“Uh, nothing, Grandma,” he said quickly.
No, really, it’s okay,” I gently insisted, kneeling down to their level. “You can tell me anything.”
Thomas glanced at Jacob, who nervously bit his lip while gripping his toy.
“Well, every time we do something naughty, or we ask for things we shouldn’t…” Thomas hesitated.
“Yes, go on,” I encouraged gently.
“Mom says that she’ll send us to ‘that witch’s house.’”
“That witch?” I repeated, stunned.
Amanda, my daughter-in-law, had always been somewhat cold to me, but telling the kids such stories? It was heartbreaking. I had always tried to create a welcoming and safe space for my grandchildren.
But this?
Realizing Amanda was turning them against me was more than I could bear. I took a deep breath and tried to steady my voice, wondering what my grandchildren truly thought of me.
“Oh, honey,” I said. “I never wanted you to think of my home as a punishment. If you don’t want to come here, you don’t have to.”
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