When I came home with my newborn, I found a note on the kitchen table. Expecting a sweet message from my mother-in-law, Abigail, I was stunned to see a $600 invoice for taking care of our dog, Rich, while I was in labor. My husband, Jake, promised to handle it, but I had other plans.

Abigail had agreed to watch Rich without mentioning any payment. After laboring through childbirth and bringing home our baby, her demand felt outrageous. When she visited to meet her grandson, she asked about the payment. Smiling, I handed her an invoice for every favor Jake and I had done for her over the years—totaling far more than $600.

She was speechless, storming out in anger. Jake laughed, proud of my response. Family doesn’t charge family, and Abigail wouldn’t see that $600 anytime soon.