My 6yo Lily cries each time she sees my MIL, while she adores my mother. Last weekend, my MIL unexpectedly offered to babysit for our date night. Lily started to shiver and said, “NO! Don’t leave me with her!” But we did.
When we got back, I walked in and nearly fainted when I saw my child standing there with tear-streaked cheeks and a sorrowful expression… I discovered that her long, beautiful locks were completely gone. She now had a blunt short bob.
My MIL had cut her hair without my consent and clearly against Lily’s will. It felt like a deliberate, spiteful act — perhaps born of jealousy over the close bond Lily shares with my mother, a connection often nurtured through hair-braiding, styling, and gentle play. My MIL must have wanted to sever that link entirely.
Now I can’t help but wonder: how long has she been unkind to my daughter behind our backs? It would certainly explain Lily’s ongoing fear and her refusal to ever be left alone with her.
