I read this story on Reddit about a new mom struggling to navigate her mother-in-law’s demands. The MIL, a self-centered and manipulative figure with a history of outrageous tantrums, is insisting that the family attend a Disneyland trip for her birthday. The issue? The new mom would have a six-month-old at the time of the trip, and the idea of taking a young baby to Disneyland in the sweltering summer heat feels overwhelming.
This MIL isn’t new to creating drama. She’s the same woman who once threw a Thanksgiving turkey across the room because her other daughter-in-law’s parents showed up unexpectedly, and she couldn’t handle not having full control. She’s also notorious for holding grudges over things like family members skipping a vacation, even when the reason is perfectly valid—like caring for a newborn.
While the MIL is footing the bill for the Disneyland trip a generous gesture her refusal to reschedule or consider the new parents’ needs adds immense pressure. The new mom feels torn. On one hand, she doesn’t want to miss out on a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity, especially since this might be the only way she’d ever get to Disneyland. On the other, she worries about the challenges of bringing a baby to such a chaotic and potentially unsafe environment.
Reddit commenters were quick to jump in with advice, most emphasizing that this MIL’s generosity doesn’t outweigh her toxic behavior. One said, “Dear god just say no. This woman is insane. Why are you even entertaining this?” Another pointed out the risks: “With all the usual illnesses going around, tell your spouse you and baby are not going. He can tell her. Protect your child.”
The mom also admitted she has a tendency to be a people-pleaser and grew up in poverty, which makes her feel guilty about rejecting the MIL’s generosity. But after reading the comments, she seemed more resolved to prioritize her baby’s needs and her own mental health over placating her MIL.
This story serves as a reminder that boundaries are critical, especially with toxic family members. No amount of generosity justifies putting a baby or yourself in an uncomfortable or unsafe situation.