A kind-hearted grandmother found a clever way to get back at her daughter-in-law, who often dropped off her child unannounced. Grandmothers are usually happy to help, but their efforts deserve recognition.

On Reddit, a woman shared how her mother-in-law handled this situation. Described as sweet and always willing to help, the grandmother was often taken advantage of by one daughter-in-law who would leave her child without warning, especially during school holidays.

One day, just as the grandmother was about to run errands, the daughter-in-law arrived unexpectedly. Unable to refuse, the grandmother took in the child with a smile but decided to teach her a lesson. She ensured the child was well-fed and put her down for a nap, letting her sleep for almost three hours instead of the usual one. As a result, the parents had to deal with an energetic child who stayed up until 1:00 a.m. Commenters praised the grandmother’s clever revenge, though some suggested honesty might be better.

Appreciating grandparents’ help with childcare is important. Offering compensation acknowledges their effort, as childcare can be taxing. Planning activities that don’t strain grandparents’ health, such as at-home crafts or supervised swimming, makes babysitting enjoyable. Paying for activities keeps kids engaged, allowing grandparents to focus on simpler tasks.

Giving grandparents authority in childcare and communicating routines can prevent issues like long naps. Finally, respecting their schedules and allowing them to decline babysitting ensures they enjoy their own time, strengthening family bonds.