Re: What would you do?

If it's really that bad you should call. Can you talk to her as a friends and suggest that she have some familiy members take her kids for a couple of days so she can get a break. Man, that's hard.

You should go with your gut - if you believe that you should call you should. What if something ever happened.

Re: What would you do?

I am a social worker and have made my share of CPS (ACS in NYC) calls. This is definately child abuse and a reportable offense. You can call the hotline and make an anonymous report.

If you confront her she may just abuse them quieter, which would be worse. I would not leave it up to the school either.

If you make the report they must investigate within 24 hours. If they find your reports founded they will open a case and visit her every so often. BUT there are also lots of voluntary services available that they will offer her. Such as parenting classes, respite care etc that she may qualify for, especially if her children have behavioral problems.

MAKE THE CALL. You will be doing her (and those kids) a huge favor. Abused kids need someone to look out for them.

Re: What would you do?

WOW

WOW. THIS IS MY FAMILY. All my aunts and my mother are constantly yelling at the top of their lungs to their kids.
example my cousins, siblings or I have been called at while growing up= Stupid, idiot, fat, ugly, wish i never had you, slut, etc.....

I commend all of you for not treating your kids like that. Growing up this was my life and the norm. I would have been devastated if someone called the cops on my mother, but at the same time its COMPLETELY WRONG FOR ANY PARENT TO DO THAT TO THEIR KIDS.

I dont know what to tell you.
Please be assured that I will NEVER do that to my children if I have any.

Re: What would you do?

Re: What would you do?

Honestly I would call. If your gut is telling you this is beyond normal then trust it! My Mom used to work for CPS and I cannot tell you the stories that I have heard that could tear you apart.

I know that it's scary that she could figure out it's you BUT there are some things you should know:

CPS' goal is not to remove the children from their families unless they are in physical danger.

CPS can lend emotional support for this woman. They can put a plan into place that could help her with counceling and a place to vent other than her children

CPS will monitor this closely if they even suspect ANYTHING and will hopefully keep this from escalating.

You do not have to give your name!

Please do not turn your back on this. Imagine what might be going on that you cannot hear!

Re: What would you do?

Thank you all so very much for all your input. I am going to make a call tomorrow and talk to someone. After investigating further, I can report this anonymously (even a mandated reporter can make an anonymous report). If they think there is something worth looking into, they will. I hope that they do not think these children are being abused, but at least it will set my mind at ease knowing that I did "something". How awful would I feel if something bad did happen... I would be wrecked with guilt over "what I could have done".

Thanks. I will let you know how it goes.

Re: What would you do?