For two years, I devoted every weekday to wiping noses, packing lunches, and playing superhero for my grandchildren—completely unpaid—so my son and his wife could focus on their careers and maintain the illusion of having it all together. They often praised me as “amazing,” “selfless,” and even “a second mom” to their kids. But when I asked for a bit of help covering a few bills after a tough month, my son didn’t hesitate to dismiss me, saying, “You’re owed nothing. You chose to do this.” The very next morning, their carefully crafted routine began to unravel—and I hadn’t even started teaching them the real lesson yet.
I Looked After My Grandkids Every Day Without Pay — Until My Son Told Me I Wasn’t Entitled To Anything, And I
Typical Breakfast Schedule
The next morning, I dragged myself out of bed and shuffled to the kitchen, falling into the familiar weekday rhythm of making breakfast for Emma and Jake. “Cereal, Nana!” Jake chirped, his brown eyes twinkling with mischief, while Emma, still groggy, rubbed the sleep from her eyes. A splash of milk, a sprinkle of sugar, and two bowls later, the morning chaos was under control. I sipped my coffee and watched them eat, masking my exhaustion behind a quiet smile.
Typical Breakfast Schedule
