She's a single mom with three small kids who is "down on her luck" (although, as the officer stated, that's no excuse to take it out on your kids). She admitted to slapping the little one this morning, who was examined and found to be fine (and apparently in good spirits). Both the officer and the social worker got the impression that this is a mother who is overwhelmed and needs help; a file has been been opened with CPS now that they have a name and address, and she'll have an official interview tomorrow.
I was thanked sincerely by the officer (who passed along the same from the social worker) and told to continue to call if I hear it again. I feel so bloody relieved to know that the authorities are involved, and sincerely hope this woman - and her children - get the help and support they so deserve.
So glad they found out where it was coming from. And good on you for calling, I've been meaning to tell you that. <3
ReplyDeleteI'm so freaking proud of you...I want to jump in my car and drive to Canada to hug your neck.
ReplyDeleteAnd I don't care how down on your luck a person is...that is no reason to smack around your kid. Ever. :(
I am SO happy that they were finally able to find the right apartment!
ReplyDeleteHopefully they will be able to provide the help and counsel that she needs.
Proud of you for sticking to your guns and following this through.
ReplyDeleteI think you need to change your name to Guardian Angel.
This is the kind of case that I would get when I worked in social services-the families who just really needed some support, and not necessarily scrutiny by the authorities. Families diverted to our program received coaching, support, and access to resources. But I think the most important thing we did was model the kind of interactions with their children that brought out the best behaviors in them. An overwhelmed mom with kids who are "wild" sees her kids in a new light when she sees that sitting down and playing with them or asking them questions about the things they are interested in, for example, brings the fever pitch down. Those parents already *know* this, but when you are overwhelmed, it's easy to think what you know won't work. Best book for a struggling parent: http://www.parentmagic.com/ I come back to this every time my kids are driving me crazy, and if I was more consistent with it, long term, they would drive me crazy much less. lol
ReplyDeleteOh thank goodness. Good for you for sticking with it. I hope with some help things will get sorted out for them.
ReplyDeleteSO glad to hear that. I'm glad you kept calling!!
ReplyDeleteGood Job!!!! Well done, you.
ReplyDeleteYou absolutely did the right thing and hopefully this family will get some help. If not, at least CPS is aware and can step in if needed.
ReplyDeleteI was a single parent for many years and it is overwhelming and I did yell at my daughter -- occasionally. We all reach our wits end now and again. But if it happens daily there is a serious problem.
Wow! I read your first update and was feeling frustrated right along with you. I'm glad the police officer checked back and tracked down the apartment. Hopefully now she can get some assistance and won't continue to take out her anger on her children. Good for you keeping at this until answers were found.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy that you were able to get this woman some much needed help. That is certainly no way to treat your children and hopefully she will now be able to get some support.
ReplyDeleteWay to go my dear!
Oh, man. I'm so glad they found out where the yelling was coming from!
ReplyDeleteThat's so awesome, Chibi. I sure hope the social worker can point that mom in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteI took a parenting class that made a huge difference to how I parent ... it really gave me tools to enjoy my kids more. Fingers crossed.
I'm so happy to hear that your concern spawned her concern and that it sounds like the mom is receptive to assistance. And I *hope* that it's a positive experience for the entire family.
ReplyDeleteGood for you - huge kudos
You never know, but you may have just become someone's hero. Maybe even the mom's. You're wonderful, C.
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