When Grandma Put My 8-Year-Old on a Diet, I Took Action — Here’s What Happened

My 8-Year-Old Daughter Went on a Diet after a Week at My MIL’s House – I Taught My MIL a Lesson When I Found Out Why

After returning from her grandmother Irene’s house, Hazel sees that her eight-year-old daughter Lila is hardly touching her favorite dinner, which makes her suspicious and concerned. Hazel is adamant about learning the truth, so she investigates more to learn more about the visit. Hazel is shocked by what she finds, which motivates her to face Irene and give her a memorable lesson.

“Lila, sweetie, you’re home!” Opening the door, I let out a loud cry.

The sight of my daughter made my heart soar, yet something wasn’t quite right.

She clutched her backpack as she stood there looking fatigued. She was not smiling brightly as usual.

“Hello, Mom,” Lila murmured as she entered. Her hug felt less like a sincere embrace and more like a formality.

“How was your week with Grandma Irene?” I tried to look her in the eye when I asked.

Lila remarked, “It was fine,” as she turned to glance around the living room. “We went to the park, the zoo, and Grandma’s favorite diner.”

I sensed that something wasn’t right. I was concerned since Lila wasn’t acting like her normal chatty self.

“Honey, tell me more. Did you enjoy yourself?” I softly probed.

“Yeah, it was okay,” she muttered as she sagged onto the couch. She obviously avoided making eye contact as she picked at the tattered edge of a throw pillow.

“And did Grandma Irene tell you any of her funny stories?” I enquired.

Lila looked down at her hands and shrugged. Yes, I suppose. At the zoo, we saw the giraffes and the lions.”

Her responses, in contrast to her typically animated talk, were succinct. A knot in my stomach tightened.

“Lila, did something happen? “You seem a little down,” I worriedly inquired.

She swiftly shook her head. “No, nothing took place. Mom, I’m just weary.”

I chose not to put too much pressure on her.

“Okay, if you indicate so. Why don’t we go grab you some dinner? We’re serving your favorite pasta tonight.”

Lila nodded, but her eyes lacked the customary glimmer.

I kept having the impression that something wasn’t right as I was making dinner. Lila had always cherished her time spent with her grandma, and she would typically return home beaming with enthusiasm and tales to share.

As I stirred the noodles, I considered how I should tackle this. Since Lila was still little, I didn’t want to put too much pressure on her. But if there was something bothering her, I needed to know.

I set out her favorite drink, fries, pasta, and chicken nuggets on the table with care, and as a surprise treat, I included a delectable dessert. I called her into the dining room, hoping the food would lift her spirits and make her feel more comfortable talking.

“Dinner’s ready, sweetie!” I called, making an effort to sound as happy as I could.

Lila tiptoed through the dining area. She took a seat and studied the meal, not really excited. With a modest “thank you, Mom,” she nibbled on a couple chicken nuggets.

“Lila, do you not feel hungry? You adore pasta and chicken nuggets.”

She pushed the plate aside and shook her head. “I’m not that hungry.”

“Come on, honey, you need to eat something,” I replied. “You’ll feel better with some food in your stomach.”

At that moment, Lila started crying. “No,” she replied. “Grandma told me that if I continue eating this way, no one will love me. She warned that if I didn’t cut back on my eating, I would look like a pig. Mom, I don’t want to appear like a pig!”

“What?” I let out a gasp.

Hearing those words destroyed my heart.

I was appalled and concerned about Lila’s self-worth and how Irene’s remarks had impacted her.

In an attempt to console her, I extended my hand and grasped hers. “Lila, my love, you are flawless in your current form. Grandma was wrong to say that to you. It’s untrue.

With tears flowing down her cheeks, she glanced up at me. “But what if Mom is correct? What if my excessive eating makes me unloved by everyone?

I took her in my arms and held her firmly. Oh, my dear, it is just untrue. I adore you so much, exactly as you are. Food doesn’t make that difference. Anyone who tells you otherwise is incorrect; you are gorgeous on the inside and out.”

Lila leaned into my embrace and sniffled. “But Grandma will be mad if I don’t listen to her.”

I gave her hair a gentle pat. “Lila, know that Grandma also loves you, but occasionally, people say inappropriate things. She doesn’t have to listen to you at all, especially if her remarks make you feel self-conscious. You are amazing in your true essence. Alright, so let’s attempt to eat a bit more now. A few more nibbles please.”

Lila forced a tiny smile and nibbled on some more chicken nuggets. That evening, after putting Lila to bed, I realized I needed to speak with Irene about her terrible remarks.

I drove to her house the following day, resolved to confront the problem head-on. With a racing heart, I pressed the doorbell.

When she noticed the expression on my face, her smile vanished as soon as she opened the door.

Hazel moved aside to let me in and said, “Hazel, what brings you here?”

I stepped inside and said, “Irene, we need to talk about what you said to Lila.”

Irene looked perplexed and raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“Lila informed me that you mentioned that no one will love her if she continues to eat in this manner. Are you aware of the extent of that hurt?

Irene dismissedively waved her hand. Hazel, you’re exaggerating, I see. It was only a jest.

“A joke?” I spoke again, getting louder. “It wasn’t meant as a joke for Lilia. Since returning home, she has been anxious and disturbed. You gave her the impression that she is unworthy.”

Irene looked annoyed and sighed. “Well, maybe if you were a bit stricter with her diet, she wouldn’t have to worry about such things.”

“That’s not the point!” I lost my temper, trying not to lose my cool. “It is not your place to make her feel self-conscious. Irene, she’s just a kid. She is greatly impacted by your words!”

Irene’s expression hardened as she crossed her arms. “My only goal is to assist. Perhaps you have the issue if you are unable to recognize that.”

A wave of frustration washed over me. “It is not helpful to put her down. You should not have caused her self-esteem to be destroyed. You ought to be encouraging her instead of making her feel inferior like her grandmother.”

She gave me a fierce look. Furthermore, you ought to be teaching her self-care skills as her mother. Perhaps you treat her too leniently.”

It stunned me.

Irene was unwilling to acknowledge that she had made a mistake. However, I would show her how mistaken she had been if she was unable to recognize that.

After a restless night, I made the decision to have supper with her the following morning. This would be our opportunity to confront the problem in a manner that she could not ignore.

I called her after picking up the phone.

“Hello, Irene,” I said, attempting to sound composed.

“Hazel,” she said, her voice tentative.

“I wish to extend an invitation to you for dinner this evening,” I stated in a firm tone. “We ought to have a family bonding evening; it’s been a trying few days. Is six o’clock convenient for you?

A pause occurred. “All right, Hazel. I’ll arrive at six,” she at last said.

I worked all day to make a lovely supper. An assortment of delectable delicacies were arranged on the tastefully decorated table.

“Are you sure this will work?” My husband Mark asked as he placed a tray of roasted vegetables down.

“I really hope so,” I said. “She needs to understand how much she hurt Lila.”

Irene was obviously impressed as she looked about when she arrived.

Hazel, your home looks beautiful,” she remarked.

“Irene, thank you. “Let’s take a seat,” I said, leading her into the dining area.

Mark, Lila, and I helped ourselves to a hearty supper and engaged in happy conversation.

Irene observed us, presumably wondering when her turn would come. It was her turn at last. I gave her a tiny plate with just one steaming piece of broccoli!

Irene’s shocked eyes widened as she glanced at the platter and then at me. She questioned shakily, “Why such a small portion?”

I inhaled deeply while maintaining eye contact with her. “This is the kind of restrictive diet you imposed on Lila,” I replied with determination. “I wanted you to see how it feels.”

Her face paled as she gazed at the plate and then back at me. “This isn’t fair, Hazel! My only intention was to assist. Do you really think this way?”

“Help?” I said it again. She felt embarrassed of herself and unloved because of you. Irene, that isn’t helping. It is painful.

Lila saw the conversation, her eyes wide, but she said nothing.

“Mom, we love you, but you need to understand the impact of your words,” Mark replied. “Lila deserves to feel confident and loved, not criticized.”

Irene took in our remarks and her face softened. There was silence for a bit.

“I didn’t realize,” she finally murmured, appearing sincere in her shame. “Hazel, I apologize. And Lila, I apologize. I had no intention of hurting you.”

I gave a nod. Though I’m sure you didn’t mean to, words have great power and can do harm. Lila must understand that she is loved exactly as she is.”

Irene nodded, tears dancing in her eyes. “I recognize. I’ll perform better. I swear.”

We carried on with our dinner, and Irene joined us this time to enjoy a real supper.

Has an instance like this ever happened to you?