My MIL Pierced My Baby's Ears Without My Consent

Setting boundaries with family can be challenging, especially when trust is broken. In the case of one of our readers, the new mother reluctantly lets her mother-in-law babysit—only to discover a shocking betrayal.

One of our readers reached out to us.

Thank you for sharing your story! We know situations like these can be tough to navigate, so here are some tips to help you with it.

Set clear boundaries early.

Before conflicts arise, be upfront about your parenting choices. Let family members know what is and isn’t acceptable when it comes to your child. For example, if you’re not comfortable with certain foods, outings, or even physical contact (like ear piercings!), state it clearly to avoid misunderstandings.

Trust your instincts.

If you feel uneasy about a situation, there’s usually a reason. Just because someone is family doesn’t automatically mean they have the right to alone time with your child. If something doesn’t sit right with you, don’t feel pressured to say yes just to keep the peace.

Communicate as a team.

Ensure both parents are aligned on boundaries and expectations. A strong, united front prevents family members from undermining decisions or trying to manipulate one parent against the other. If necessary, have conversations together to reinforce your rules.

Follow through on consequences.

If a boundary is crossed, don’t just express frustration—take action. Whether that means limiting visits, removing babysitting privileges, or even going no contact, enforcing consequences shows that your rules are non-negotiable. Without follow-through, overstepping will likely continue.

Setting boundaries with loved ones isn’t always easy, but trust is essential. When that trust is broken, parents have every right to make tough decisions to protect their child.