My SIL Invited My Kids to Her Big House With a Pool for the Holidays – When I Showed Up Unannounced, I Went Pale

When my sister-in-law invited my children to spend a week at her large, luxurious home, I truly believed it would be the highlight of their summer. She had a pool, a trampoline, and every gaming system imaginable. She explained that her daughter, Mikayla, was bored and could use some company, so I happily agreed. I packed my kids’ bags, reminded them to be polite guests, and even gave them spending money so they could enjoy snacks and small treats during their stay.

The first three days passed in silence, which immediately felt strange. My kids usually text or call me several times a day, especially when they’re excited. When I reached out to my sister-in-law, she reassured me that everything was fine and said they were swimming, relaxing, and having fun by the pool. I tried to trust her, but something didn’t sit right.

On the fourth day, my phone buzzed with a message from my daughter that made my heart drop. It simply said, “Mom, please come save us.” She explained quickly that their phones had been taken away. I didn’t call ahead. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the house.

When I arrived, the scene shocked me. My son was scrubbing pool tiles on his knees, while my daughter struggled to drag a heavy garbage bag across the yard. Meanwhile, Mikayla lounged comfortably on a chair, scrolling on her phone. On a nearby table sat a clipboard listing daily chores my children were required to complete in order to earn basic privileges like pool time or watching TV.

My sister-in-law tried to explain that the kids had “volunteered” to help, but my daughter whispered that they were threatened with losing their money and being forced to sleep in the garage if they refused. That was enough for me. I immediately demanded their phones, which had been locked away, packed up my children, and took them home.

Later, I sent my sister-in-law an invoice for unpaid child labor. She paid it without argument. I used the money to take my kids on a carefree trip to an amusement park. That summer, my children learned about fairness, boundaries, and self-worth—and they also learned that their mother will always stand up for them, no matter what.