the apartment above mine was recently rented out to a unwed mother of one. all i ever hear is her yelling and screaming obscenities at the top of her lungs at the kid, the father who visits every once and a while, and i think one time she got in a fight with what must've been her dad. i also hear the shrieks and cries of the young toddler, who i think is two or three. it always seems to come out of nowhere. i suspect child abuse, but don't know if i should get involved or just let the parent be the parent. also, i've learned from personal expirience that police/child services would definently make it worse on the kid if the parent takes it the wrong way. my dad was arrested for beating on my sister, and since he did not know the man across the street who called the cops, us kids were punished.
so what should i do?
2006-08-28 05:42:44 · 28 answers · asked by hey_finny 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
I had a neighbor like that. She use to take her stress out on her children. It got to the point where I couldn't stand it anymore. One night when she was doing this I marched my a right over to her house and I let her have it. I told her exactly what I thought and exactly what I would do if she took her anger out on her kids. She stood there with her mouth hanging open. I told her if she ever needed someone to talk to to come over to my house and we would sit and talk. I told her children right in front of her to let me know if their mother ever touched them again to let me know because I would be their angel. I could actually see the relief on their faces. She came over about a week later and we talked. Guess what? we're still friends. When I would pass her kids on the street, they would always give me a big smile. I was their not-so-silent protector.
Abuse isn't just something you just let happen. Especially to children. Either go bring it right up her face, talk to the dad, or report it. Don't let those babies suffer.
2006-08-28 06:02:59 · answer #1 · answered by windandwater 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Call Social Services now and try and tape what she is saying - if you can. You are a witness and if a child is being abused then that child needs to be reomoved from that home IMMEDIATELY. When Social Sevices goes there, they will probably have police assistance as well. The welfare of that small child is at stake and that mom is obviously not handling the stresses of a child very well. Therefore, call Social Services and help that poor innocent child... and that mom to get some serious help.......
2006-08-28 05:52:32 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call childrens services and tell them what you have observed and if they don't remove the child and you hear things again call them again so they can return. The problem is if nobody gets involved than the child gets hurt anyway. If you do get involved he or she may have a chance. maybe the parent will straighten up if someone comes knocking at their door. Its evident the parent is not just being a parent in this situation or you wouldn't be concerned. Good Luck
2006-08-28 05:50:39 · answer #3 · answered by smile4u 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
an anonymous call to the police or social services sounds warranted. You dont want to ever be saying to yourself "if only I had made the call ". My sister has a 2 year old and she too yells a lot at him but in no way does she physically abuse him; the problem here is you dont know whats going on in that apartment so place the anonymous call and forget about it. Better safe than sorry.
2006-08-28 05:50:23 · answer #4 · answered by Mean Carleen 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a 3 year old and an 11 year old , there are times when I yell at them .. some times I scream ,but is mostly cause they are fighting with each other or my 11 year is picking on my 3 year old .. being a single parent is very hard in this day and age .. But what can a 3 years old be doing to be treated that way all the time . it is you duty to get involved if you think that kid is being hurt .. mental abuse is child abuse .. call !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2006-08-28 06:04:30 · answer #5 · answered by blueflowerscs 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you think the child is being abused and in danger, then call and leave an anonymous message. A child of that age cannot protect themselves. Had you rather be a little involved or read about the child in the paper?
2006-08-28 05:48:23 · answer #6 · answered by voandginger 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tough situation. And you are right that CPS can make the child's life more difficult.
Maybe you can approach the father of the child and tell him what you are hearing and that you suspect abuse and neglect. He would be the right person to make a change. Hopefully he will be a man and take the child from that mother.
Poor baby :(
2006-08-28 05:47:52 · answer #7 · answered by FaerieWhings 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you suspect child abuse, maybe the child needs help. They can't help themselves. I don't know the laws for the State you live in, but the laws here, put the family under investigation, if they clear the parent, then the case is closed. Maybe the child needs help, just remember, the child could be suffering. How horrible. Good luck.
2006-08-28 05:48:04 · answer #8 · answered by Michelle Lynn 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call Social Services immediately and tell them about your concerns. Why do you mention that she is unmarried. I'm unmarried and have brought up two children really well. The situation can put you under more strain than if you have a partner to support you, but it doesn't mean that you're a bad parent if you're unmarried. It just means that to do a good job of parenting, you have to do the work of two people with no support.
2006-08-28 05:50:13 · answer #9 · answered by debbie t 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you suspect abuse, report it. That child could be going through hell. If it turns out to be nothing, then you have no worries. The mom may just be overwhelmed. Try offering friendship first, just to see for your self. Maybe she needs a little help everyonce in a while. Remember, never feel ashamed for reporting what you think may be abuse, you could be saving someone's life.
2006-08-28 05:47:47 · answer #10 · answered by Becky 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋