If one of your friends were not a good parent, would you tell them?

Question

Everytime you see your friend they are dressed nicely, but the children look like crap, dirty and smelly and always asking for something to eat. What would you do?

Answer 1

I pretty much agree with everyone else. Talk to her, just do it tactfully. People are very sensitive these days especially when it comes to their children. Volunteer to help her out if necessary, the most important thing here is that the children are well taken care of.

Answer 2

I have told them and tried to help. Found out that he is on crack and that she is drinking more now. I had to call Children's Protective Services and their two children are now with relatives pending further investgation and intervention. The plan is for them to get back their lives, get off the booze & drugs, prove that they can provide a safe, clean home and care for their children.

If you really care for the kids, you will have to do the same if the friend doesn't listen to you. They are neglecting those kids.

Answer 3

Hmmmm, great question! I would get her alone and ask if everything is alright at home. When she asks why, explain sweetly that you've noticed her adorable children and the apparent lack of attention she is giving them - then ask if there's anything you can do to help. You may end up giving a bath or two or perhaps a load of laundry to help her out, but she'll get the message loud and clear - THAT YOU CARE! God bless!

Answer 4

I think you're not much of a friend if you didn't tell them. Think of the children. Someone has to speak up for them. Maybe your friend takes the kids for granted and that definately needs to be brought to her attention. She truly may not realize. Find a way to subtly let her know you have concerns and you'll be able to tell by her reaction if her intentions are honorable.

Answer 5

i would not tell them that they are bad parents...
use diplomacy, ask after the children, draw attention to them...
dont say "the children are hungry i will make something to eat" but something like "how about i make something fun for all of us or have they already eaten and they will get a bad stomach from too much" or "how smart of you to not use their best clothes when they are out playing so they dont destroy their good ones"

if worse comes to worse tell them to their face but you risk losing that friend

Answer 6

Yes I would tell the person if it was a close friend but I would do it in a nice way.

Answer 7

I would and I have told a friend to get off of her butt and start taking care of her children or I would call DSS. She got off of her butt took care of the children, she doesn't talk to me any more but the children always say hi to me.

Answer 8

I would call my friend out on it. I have had to a few times. In their cases, I shamed them as well. I bought their kid some clothes, shoes and sent home groceries. I cannot stand for a child to be mistreated.

Answer 9

It's never our place to tell another how to raise their children unless you suspect abuse.
If she's really your friend you should have a way to talk to her without accusing her directly of being a bad parent. Maybe things aren't exactly as they seem. She is your friend...just talk.

Answer 10

I would suggest certain kid's shampoo or bathtime stuff. Maybe buy a couple new outfits for her kids to slightly hint. If she didn't take that, I would complain to her about how someone in a store we were in didn't take care of their kids. Either way, be tactful about it. If you are friends and all....
Good luck...tough situation.