My son asked me to post this story because he is sure the Internet is going to tell me I am in the wrong. Am I?

I recently babysat my grandchildren (5 and 4) for four nights and five days so my son and his wife could attend a wedding in Mexico and spend a few days on vacation. While I had the kids, I was invited to a birthday party at Disney World and wanted to go. It didn’t even occur to me to run it by my son or daughter-in-law, as I had the kids for an extended period, and obviously, they knew they would be going where I went. But when they returned and found out, my DIL burst into tears. She furiously said I shouldn’t have given my grandkids such a big experience without their parents being involved. Here’s what happened.

When my friends invited me to Disney World, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to give my grandchildren an unforgettable experience. After all, how many kids get to go to Disney World with their grandmother? I packed up snacks, sunscreen, and extra clothes and we set off on the adventure.

The kids were ecstatic from the moment we entered the park. Their eyes lit up at the sight of Cinderella’s castle, and they were thrilled to meet their favorite characters. We went on rides, watched parades, and enjoyed Mickey-shaped ice cream. It was a magical day filled with laughter and joy.

I took countless photos and videos to capture every precious moment. In the evening, we watched the fireworks show, and I couldn’t help but feel proud of myself for giving them such a wonderful day. They were tired but happy, and I felt it was a job well done.

When my son and daughter-in-law returned from their trip, I eagerly showed them the photos and videos, expecting them to share in the excitement. But instead of joy, my daughter-in-law’s face crumpled, and she burst into tears.

“How could you take them to Disney World without us?” she cried. “We’ve been planning to take them for their first visit. It was supposed to be a special family moment, and now it’s ruined!”

I was taken aback. “I thought they’d enjoy it, and I didn’t want to say no to such a great opportunity,” I explained, feeling a bit defensive.

“You should have asked us,” my son added, looking equally upset. “This was something we wanted to experience with them for the first time.”

I realized then that I had made a huge mistake. In my excitement to give my grandchildren a memorable experience, I hadn’t considered how important it was for their parents to share that milestone with them. I had acted on impulse, thinking I was doing something wonderful, but in reality, I had overstepped.

My daughter-in-law couldn’t stop crying. She felt cheated out of a precious family moment, and I felt terrible for causing her such pain. I apologized repeatedly, but the damage was done. They were heartbroken, and I didn’t know how to make it right.

Now, I sit here wondering if I was truly in the wrong. I didn’t mean to hurt anyone; I just wanted to give my grandchildren a magical day. But I see now that I should have consulted with their parents first. Maybe the Internet will have some perspective that I’m missing.

So, am I in the wrong for taking my grandchildren to Disney World without their parents’ permission?