Nothing says you’re queen of your castle quite like discovering your home has been converted into a free-range daycare, courtesy of a boundary-challenged mom and siblings. You pay the bills, you do the adult stuff, but suddenly your living room is a toddler demolition derby, bedtime arrives later than pizza delivery, and your husband’s last nerve is frayed like a toddler’s jumper after snack time.

At first, it’s all about family helping family. You grit your teeth, summon your best diplomatic skills, and gently remind Mom about simple requests—like a curfew, or maybe just not letting the kids use your curtains as superhero capes. She nods, promises, and then promptly forgets, because apparently, promises are like seasonal decor: they look nice for a week, then disappear until next year.