My granddaughter cries when she knows she is going to spend a week with her mother. When we ask her why she says she is tired of her little brother biting her all the time. He is not quite 2 years old. Primary care and control is with my son, who has her 3 weeks followed by one week with her mother, when she remembers it is her week to have her daughter. It breaks our hearts to see the bites when she comes home, and the mother's response to it is "that's kids". The mother never wanted her daughter to start with, and even said that when she becomes a toddler someone else could have her because she hates toddlers! We have tried to explain to my granddaughter she has to go to her mother's because it is her mother and the court says she has to spend time with her. What can we do? She prefers to be at home with her dad and stepmother, not at her mother's in an area that is known for drugs, murders, muggings and shootings
2007-02-20 07:00:27 · 6 answers · asked by countryfrog6 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Document everything and take pictures of the bites with dates and times. Also, if you have any conversations with the mother, document what she says with dates and times. (My mom used to keep a notebook by the phone for when my sister called). Then next time you can go to court, do it and go armed with everything. It might also help to get a court psychologist to talk to your granddaughter--someone who is not in the middle of everything. If you can get a mediator to talk to the mother that might help too, but you definitely want to get her away from this woman.
2007-02-20 07:06:19 · answer #1 · answered by chelebeee 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would contact an attorney, while the child is too young to make her own decisions, she is old enough to have her rights protect by an independent party (a guardian or attorney). My personal belief is that this child is being abused both physically and mentally. Clearly this child knows that nothing is going to be done to teach the younger sibling that biting is wrong.
If you don't want to involve an attorney then you might consider contacting Family Services when she returns home from her mothers.
Sadly some women feel a need to compete with a daughter...why I don't know. But if this woman does not want the child then way not see about terminating her rights.
Best of luck to you and your family!
2007-02-20 15:07:22 · answer #2 · answered by ~Just A Girl~ 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to contact social services. The bites are abuse, even if the mother isn't actually biting. The mother is held responsible for letting this happen. They have to investigate every claim. Social Services can over rule a court judgement while the claim is under investigation. How long the investigation takes depends on the social worker. This breaks my heart. this child is obviously under a lot of mental distress. You can call social services any time of day with an emergency claim, and I would say this is top priority.
2007-02-20 15:06:55 · answer #3 · answered by fuzzums 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would definitely keep documentation of everything that happens at the "mothers" house. Take pictures of the bites, bruises etc., Be relentless about calling the CPS, Courts, lawyers. The "mother" has already stated that she doesn't want the little girl. Your son must gather evidence and go to court to possibly obtain only supervised custody when she has to visit "mother". At least she has caring people in her life now!
2007-02-20 15:07:02 · answer #4 · answered by julz6769123 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
How bad are the bites? Is the mother supervising them?
Wouldn't be easier on a 4 year old to spend a day or two at time with mom? Could the visitation be chaged to every other weekend?
Could your son try to get full custody? Terminate her visitation?
How often does she miss her week?
Speak with a lawyer. Some judges are sympathetic and will even listen to a 4 year old!
2007-02-20 15:08:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Speak with a child Therapist.
2007-02-20 15:03:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋