Family problems when do you get involved?
By stargirl85
@stargirl85 (218)
United States
May 6, 2009 11:21am CST
Recently my step brothers little girl told me something in confidence and asked me not to tell anyone. I just wonder when its approperiate to get involved, or should I give her parents time to work out their problem. She has been seeing her mother pop pills lately and is only 5 years old. For such a little girl she still understands what her mother is doing and how its affecting her mom. She did tell me that she had told her father, and that he yelled at her mom and told her he better not catch this happening again. Maybe since my step brother now knows of the situation he can help his wife to turn around. I know he doesnt approve of her actions so this makes me think maybe I should stay out of things. Its so hard when a little one tells you something like that. For now I just let her know that im here for her if she needs to talk.
1 person likes this
2 responses
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
6 May 09
Oh how heartbreaking! I would hope that she knows 911 provided something happens to her mom while dad is at work. Unfortunatly depending on what addiction it is, the cure isn't as easy as confronting someone. I hope things improve if not and she confides in you further about behavior problems with her mom ect and you take the action you feel is best for the lil girl despite not wanting to snitch on family...
@stargirl85 (218)
• United States
6 May 09
Well my step brother told his wife that unless she stops he will leave her. He doesnt want his children around these bad habits. He is actually a good person and loves his children. Hopefully he can handle this difficult situation and make sure his daughter never has to see her mom do that again.
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
6 May 09
I"m glad he's put his foot down on the situation. But like I said she may need more than an idle threat to convince her she needs to stop or get help for her problem. These situations are never fair to the kids.
@Brandiewynne (71)
• United States
6 May 09
Are you close enough with your stepbrother to pull him aside and have a talk with him?
There are times when you do need to break confidences.Just let your stepbrother know that you are concerned and that if his little girl needs someone to talk to you will be there for her. Just ask him to respect her wishes and to not be mad at her for talking to you, she needed to talk to someone and maybe she is afraid that if she talks to her dad they will fight again.
It sounds like his little girl is very mature for 5 and knows that what her mom is doing is not healthy.
