Reddit user u/throwawayaitamil is a lesbian mom-of-two. And I know you might be wondering, what does her sexual orientation have to do with anything? Unfortunately, it’s relevant to the story.

When she and her little ones went to a BBQ with their extended family, the kids wanted to have some M&Ms. Their mom, however, told them to wait until after dinner and enjoy the candies as dessert. Sounds like a pretty simple situation, right? It was. Until the mother-in-law decided to go rogue.

The lady gave her grandchildren candies before the meal, even though her daughter-in-law explicitly said she was against it. What’s even worse, the mother-in-law refused to apologize and chose to destroy her relationship with her daughter and her family over a few M&Ms instead.

In doubt over the way she handled the conflict, u/throwawayaitamil turned to the subreddit “Am I the [Jerk]?” for help. Here’s what she wrote.

Image credits: Pexels (not the actual photo)

Image credits: throwawayaitamil

Honest Mum’s Vicki Broadbent believes this story is a prime example of ‘backseat parenting’

Image credits: Vicki Broadbent / Honest Mum

Vicki Broadbent, an award-winning lifestyle blogger, parenting expert, and bestselling author of Mumboss (UK) and The Working Mom (the US and Canada), refers to the act of challenging parents in front of their children or otherwise as ‘backseat parenting.’

“It’s rather like driving a car from the passenger seat and however well-meaning the intentions of those offering unsolicited advice, the parent will always feel disrespected,” the creator of Honest Mum told Bored Panda. “In this instance, the grandmother was entirely in the wrong, she tried to control the situation despite knowing the mother’s intentions, undermining her before then abusing her in front of the children, stating she didn’t consider her their real parent. This was highly distressing for all involved and most of all, the children. It seems this situation was far more complex than giving children candies and there are tensions and unresolved issues between her and the mother in question.”

“In general, if you feel a desperate need to share advice to a parent (and it’s not a dangerous situation where you must interfere immediately for e.g.), take them to one side in private (never in front of their children) and before doing so, please carefully consider whether your advice is necessary and it’s even your place to share,” Vicki added.

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The mom of two boys with a baby girl due in the winter highlighted that everyone parents differently and individually. “The saying, ‘Mom (and dad) knows best’ is almost always right. Parents know their children inside and out, they’re aware of their schedules, routines, behavior, and needs, and while grandparents enjoy spoiling their grandchildren and should at times, offering kids candies 15 minutes before a meal seems ill-thought-out in this instance and intentionally disrespectful towards the mother,” Vicki Broadbent explained. “Common sense is rarely common, as my Dad would say. Think before you speak or act.”

If you also fall victim to backseat parenting, you might want to address your kids after everything cools down and clear up any confusion they might have. “Once your children are away from the grandparents and have calmed down (if they’re upset), I would gently explain that sometimes adults make mistakes and say and do things they don’t mean or they don’t fully think it through before saying/doing,” Vicki said.

“The point here is to first reassure your children that they are emotionally safe with you and that you are their guide and guardian when it comes to safety, rules, and boundaries. Children need to know they can count on their parents/primary caregivers at all times and it’s your job to ensure they don’t ever feel otherwise.”

When other people question your parenting, it can feed your fears and doubts. But try to fight them. As Laura Markham Ph.D. said, the proof of your child-raising approach will be in the pudding, and the pudding takes a long time to cook. Focus on the process and things will fall into place.

Here’s what people said about the entire ordeal

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