My SIL Invited My Kids to Her Big House With a Pool for the Holidays – When I Showed Up Unannounced, I Went Pale

When my sister-in-law Candace offered to host my kids, Annie (10) and Dean (8), at her luxurious mansion for a week, I thought it was a dream summer escape. With a pool, trampoline, and PlayStation 5, it seemed perfect for them and their cousin Mikayla. I sent them with $150 each for treats and drove off, expecting fun. But three days of silence raised alarms. On day four, Annie’s chilling text—“Mom, come save us. Aunt took away our phones”—sent me racing to Candace’s. I found my kids scrubbing pool tiles and hauling trash while Mikayla lounged. A

clipboard listed grueling chores for pool access, with threats of sleeping in the garage. Furious, I retrieved their phones and left. I sent Candace a $600 invoice for their labor, threatening to expose her. She paid instantly. I used the money for an amusement park trip, where my kids enjoyed cotton candy and roller coasters, no chores required. They learned I’d always protect them, and some adults can’t be trusted.