Woman urged not to let grandma babysit after her child told her something

Dismayed internet users have urged a woman not to let her mother-in-law babysit her children.

The warnings came after the worried mother shared something her children had told her about time at their grandmother’s house.

The child, five, claimed the mother-in-law was using physical punishment on her and her two-year-old sister.

The punishment in question, according to the child, was making them get in a cold show.

The woman told Mumsnet users her six-year-old child had confirmed that the punishment in taking place.

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She wrote in her post: “Lucky enough (or so I thought) to have very engaged grandparents on both sides who help with childcare.

“DC (darling child) 5 mentioned this afternoon that his grandma (my MIL) has put him in a cold shower with his clothes on recently as a punishment.

“He also said she hurts him and DC 2 regularly in retaliation for their misbehaving.”

She went on: “I’m absolutely dumbfounded. I’ve spoken to DC 6 who has confirmed this (DC 6 is very sensible and trustworthy so I take their word for it) and has also said grandma put them in a cold shower as a punishment ‘a long time ago’.

“I don’t know what to do next. I’ve told DH what DC has said but I’m incandescent. I was physically abused and subjected to cold showers regularly as a child and I feel sick to think that my DC have experienced this.

“I have tried so hard to raise them in a compassionate way and shield them from harm and hurt.”

A number of commenters suggested the woman cut off contact entirely with the grandmother, and not allow her children to stay there anymore.

One wrote: “F**king report her to the police. It’s abuse, end of. If my MIL did I wouldn’t let them go there again. Sorry to be so blunt. Poor kids must be petrified of the woman.”

Another said: “I would completely cut all contact immediately. This is child abuse, it’s up to you to protect your children.

One wrote: “Oh my life. How awful for you all. I’m sorry I have absolutely no advice other than do not react immediately. Other than stopping their contact with your DC obviously.”