r/AIO•
AiringOGrievances

AIO for leaving my in-laws a week early over their treatment of our child?

My wife and I were both raised by Evangelical Christian parents, and left faith-based belief in our early 30's. We have a 3yo child who came to us through a lengthy IVF process. My in-laws called them a "miracle baby" and immediately began asking if he'll be "raised to know Jesus", and were obsessed over us baptizing and circumcising him. Neither of which we did.

We have been very direct with them that we are not discussing religion with our kids unless they ask about it, but only when they're old enough to understand it. I'm very aware of the dangers of indoctrinating children, as we were both indoctrinated and spent years in therapy healing from it. My in-laws claim we are neglecting his "spiritual growth" and that the only way to be a moral person is to be raised in a Christian church.

This weekend we drove several hours to our in-laws house so they could watch him for a week while we reconnect as a couple. My family is completely useless so it's our only option, and outside of religion they are good caregivers.

Yesterday my in-laws asked to bring our son to church to show him off, and my wife and I would arrive later to pick him up so they can stay for a social gathering. It's a very small church so we pictured him sitting in a pew while my in-laws listened to the service, and them introducing him to a few friends.

We arrived before the service ended to a horrific scene (in my eyes). My in-laws were on stage, holding my son while 20-30 people "laid hands" on him while praying loudly, and the pastor was loudly praying to "Claim this child for Jesus". My son was crying profusely and was wiggling to get down but they lifted him up by his legs and butt, holding him over their heads. All of my religious trauma came flooding back. I could see myself as a child crying and shaking over similar situations.

I ran up to the stage and shoved people aside so I could grab my son and console him. I don't remember exactly what I said but I know I dropped more than a few f-bombs telling them to get away from my son, and told my in-laws they weren't allowed to watch our kids ever again. We left and drove back to my in-laws house to grab our stuff and I cancelled our plans for the week.

My in-laws are blowing up my wife's phone. Not to apologize, but are playing the victim and asking what was wrong with ME for acting that way in a church and in front of their friends. Of course they blame it all on us not being "believers". I told my wife they are never to be alone with our kids again but she says that isn't realistic.

Am I really overreacting, or is this a huge violation of trust?

Posted Jun 8, 2026, 4:43 PM UTC

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