Desperate for help to navigate a delicate situation regarding my brother in law potentially being inappropriate with my toddler.
Hi guys I’ve never posted on Reddit before and the only reason I’m coming to Reddit to discuss this situation is because I can’t go anywhere else. I have been sick about this for months and have had no outlet apart from my therapist to really talk about this situation but he was no help. I am 24 (F) I have a 2 year old son. Last Christmas while I was bathing my son, he said 3 words *uncle* touched me. He was not even 2 yet when this happened and it was so fleeting that I didn’t know what to make of it. I called my husband and we were both extremely concerned. My brother in law is only 11 years old. He has autism. He spends a LOT of time with my toddler which now in hindsight is extremely odd to me. He has always wanted to be with my son and practically follows him around and tries to pick him up everywhere we go. The ONLY reason I have not cut all contact completely is because he is so young and on the spectrum and my husband helps his mother and family financially a lot as they do not have a father. I have had a conversation with my mother in law and we have agreed to keep my son away from him for the foreseeable future but I don’t feel like it’s enough. I have lost sleep over this for months. I feel as though i have failed as a mother. For some extra context, after my toddler initially said those 3 words, he went to my husband and my mom and said the same thing. He laughed about it as if it was a joke.. I’m just not sure if I should put my foot down firm and cut all contact with the whole family or if I should just say that if uncle is there we will not be there?? I really need some input, I’m still very young and a first time mother at that. I have already beaten myself up about this for so long and could really use some advice without judgment.. thank you.