I Babysat My Grandson for the Weekend — Then My Daughter-in-Law Handed Me a Bill for ‘Living Expenses’

👵 Cookies, Diapers—and a Bill That Broke My Chill

When my daughter-in-law asked me to babysit for the weekend, I pictured sprinkle-covered cookies, bedtime snuggles, and maybe a heartfelt thank-you. What I got instead? A pink handwritten bill for the water, eggs, and toothpaste I “used” while caring for my grandson.

It all started with a text from Lila while I was refilling the hummingbird feeder.

“Would you mind watching Oliver this weekend? Lucas has a work retreat, and my sister and I are doing a spa trip.”

I hesitated. Lila and I don’t exactly knit together. She’s mentioned “over-involved grandparents” more than once, and her boundaries often feel more like barbed-wire fences. Still, I adore Oliver. His squeals of “Nana!” and sticky hugs could melt any frustration.

“Of course,” I replied.

“Everything you need will be ready! Just enjoy the time.”

Charming. Or so I thought.