What can I do if my sister isn't taking care of her child well?

Question

I have a sister and she has a 4 year old kid. She doesn't take care of him well. She doesn't let him sleep enough and lets him stay up all hours of the night. He has bags under his eyes and looks unhealthy at times. He gets sick often. She doesn't feed him healthy food and gives him lots of junk food and soda. When he is having breathing problems she makes him wait because she is too busy watching tv. When I told my nephew to brush his teeth, she said "who cares? they are going to fall out anyways, because they are just baby teeth". She won't listen to my advice or my parents or anyone else.

She yells and cusses at me when I tell her to take care of him. I just want her to do a better job raising him. She isn't married and she doesn't have a boyfriend.

How do you tell a family member something if they won't listen?
How can I get it through my thick headed stubborn sister to take care of her kid better?

Answer 1

tough situation. does the child have a father who could help?if she won't listen and you really feel his health or safety is an issue here, it may be time for some kind of intervention.if that still doesn't get through to her, legal action could be taken. the health and safety of her child is the most important thing here. best of luck to you.

Answer 2

she is obviously showing them neglect, which is aginst the law. If I were you, I would call social services and get child protective services involved. This child will more than likely grow up having real emotional problems but with the right care, and the proper rollmodles in his life, he will turn out just fine. I was raised by the state and I say they saved my humanaity after seeing what my parents thought was more important than family. If she realy cares about her child, she will work her hardest to get him back. Its very very stressfull, but you have to always keep the childs best intrests at heart.

Answer 3

I agree not to call social services. Not right now anyway. What if they take the child away from her? Talk to her again and tell her how serious you are and tell her if she wants help you will help. Try being her friend too b/c she sounds depressed. try talking to her about how she feels and ask her whats going on and tell her you love your nephew and her and you want to help. If things continue you will need to talk to your parents or another family member about calling social services.

Answer 4

be around a lot and forge a positive relationship with the child and with your sister. help her. do not call family services, your nephew would be much worse off in the system and you might not see him again. offer to babysit, maybe she needs some time to herself. be a good role model. cook some good meals and take them over. don't punish her for what she isn't doing, applaud her for what she is-raising a child on her own.

Answer 5

This is neglect in every aspect of the word. Call child protective services. Maybe a visit from them will scare her straight.

Answer 6

well if you really care about the both of them you need to contact your local department of children and family services and let them know what is going on. that is so sad why she isn't taking care of him. i would say you need to do what is right. i hope everything works out for the best of them both. good luck

Answer 7

Contact Family Services! She'll have to listen to them or she'll lose her child.

Answer 8

ask her if she really wants him. if not, he would be better off with someone else. have you thought of adopting him? talk to someone whose opinion you respect and reputation you trust and get some advice. this little boy needs someone!

Answer 9

you should contact cps. without delay. and when she feels you betrayed her, tell her to take a long look in the mirror. good luck.

Answer 10

try and talk 2 her about how you feel and offer to help if she needs it, she may need someone to help her!