My name is Harumi. I live with my husband Ryoya, our 7-year-old son Shou, and 1-year-old daughter Hina. We’re heading to my in-laws’ for a 2-night New Year’s stay. But my sister-in-law Aya and her 5-year-old daughter Rikka will also be there. Aya blames others for everything and never disciplines Rikka. In the past, both Shou and Hina have been treated poorly, so going back feels nothing but stressful.
Rikka kept taunting Hina by flashing toys in front of her and shouting, “You can’t have it!” Even though I kept distracting Hina so she wouldn’t touch Rikka’s dolls, Rikka kept teasing her until she cried. It’s just plain mean to bully a 1-year-old like that.
But scolding her doesn’t work—she won’t stop. Since her mother never says a word, Rikka’s behavior just keeps escalating. I was beyond frustrated.