Should I report it?
By Jennifer
@LovingMyBabies (85288)
Valdosta, Georgia
June 17, 2011 5:37pm CST
Okay, so I'm not sure if this belongs here or not and I'm sorry if it's the wrong category.
I watch this little boy and every time he comes to my house he has another bruise on him. Yesterday he came to me with a black eye. His stepmom joked and said she punched him and then laughed and said just kidding he fell. (I didn't find it funny at all). Today he came to me with a bruise on his hiney which I noticed when I changed his diaper. This poor kid has so many marks on him. I am worried that if I report it she will try to get even and call child protective services on me in spite. If I don't report it though, I'm afraid he might really get hurt! He is only one. =( I have a little boy and these bruises are not in the normal places where boys are rough and play hard, no not these marks.
Do you think I should report it? Do you think it's my job to do so? Do you think I should just mind my own business? I don't know what to do so please give me some of your ideas...
3 responses
@zayasalyssa (28)
• United States
20 Jun 11
i would say really sit down and talk to the mother and really find out the situation. There has been many cases in which it was just a misunderstanding. Child protective services is no joke, so be sure before you make that call.
@LovingMyBabies (85288)
• Valdosta, Georgia
20 Jun 11
Thanks for your response!
Yes I am going to talk with her about it first because I don't want to be wrong! If I was wrong and got them in trouble for no reason I would feel terrible. I have been thinking about what to do for days! Thanks for your thoughts.
@carolscash (9492)
• United States
19 Jun 11
Yes, you should report it. I am not sure how the law is where you are but I know that here in my state,a child care provider is under a responsibility under the law to report any suspected abuse.
His stepmom may be abusing him and he just is not old enough to tell. Please step in and help this poor innocent baby!
@LovingMyBabies (85288)
• Valdosta, Georgia
19 Jun 11
Thanks for your response!
I am just worried that there is a possibility that I could be wrong. That's my biggest worry. I would feel horrible if I am wrong. But if I am right then I could save his life!
@CelticSoulSister (1640)
• Southend-On-Sea, England
19 Jul 11
I can understand the difficulty of your situation in that if you do report it, there might be a comeback towards you from the mother. However, it does seem like the poor little boy is suffering at the hands of his cruel mother and if the situation is left unreported, he could be in serious danger in future. Would the authorities accept your reporting of abuse to this poor little boy in complete confidence? Here in the UK we can be guaranteed complete anonymity if we report something similar.
