If your mother-in-law gave your child a drastic haircut, without asking your permission, would you be angry?
A mother, from the UK, has been left fuming after her (now ex) mother-in-law did just that.
The Mumsnet user asked commenters if she was overreacting after her ex-husband’s mother made the decision for her granddaughter and chopped “all” the six-year-old’s long hair off.
“It’s gone from being long, blonde, beautiful waves to a shoulder length bob,” the mother posted online.
She was also annoyed that the haircut included a new fringe.
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“I am beyond angry,” said the mum, explaining her six-year-old daughter “hates” her new hairstyle.
“I’ve had no explanation from [my mother-in-law] or [ex-husband] who both appear to think I am overreacting.”
Her post has attracted more than 500 comments, sparking debate with other parents.
“It’s both parents’ decision to cut long hair short,” said one.
Other commenters said the grandparent had “crossed the line”.
“She told me this morning she was in tears as soon as it was done and was told to stop crying as she’s a big girl now…
“She wore a hat all day in school yesterday apparently as she was so upset,” said the mum.
One Mumsnet user suggested the six-year-old should go to a “decent hair dresser” and get it cut “really nicely”.
“Then it will grow out beautifully and be long again if that is what she wants. It is horrible growing out a fringe you didn’t want,” the commenter added.
How would you feel if your mother in law did this to your child?
Top Comments
Definitely feel for the mother in the above. Thought I'd share a funnier version of grandparent haircuts. My maternal grandmother thought she'd give my fringe a trim when I was about 3 years old. Lets just say the result was so impressive that the family still joke "don't let Granny near your hair". There are some funny photos of little me with a very short lopsided choppy fringe. My Gran thought she was doing my mum a favour so she wouldn't need to take me to a hairdresser when she was trying to cope with a young unwell baby - technically, she succeeded, it was a long time before I needed another fringe trim!
The mother in law did the wrong thing but seriously, this could be a learning experience. It's hair! It will grow back! In life we all have haircuts we hate but they do grow away. I think it's probably a case of the mother pushing her hate of the haircut and the child picking up on that. Maybe she (the child) was happy at first!