Concern, advice needed

[Froglet84]

Hi

I'm not a parent, so not sure whether I'm over reacting to this but it's bugging me so much I can't sleep.

Over Christmas I've spent a lot of time with a family who have a 23 month girl.

Her behaviour is pretty withdrawn socially and I'm concerned to see and hear of a lot of situations where she has been in danger. What I'm asking us if I'm over reacting or if I need to report what I've seen.

The first alarm bell was when the mum said (laughing and with grin) that the girl had managed to get out the house and had run out into busy road and nearly got run over. (Involves four doors and a gate and would take 2 year old 5 minutes if not 10 on her own)

The second was when she got shouted st by a neighbour for walking into their garden alone and picking their flowers (mum just laughed at the gate and attempted to call her back)

There's also the running out into road and I was the furthest away but the only one to run after her

There's the touching hot fireplace and no one told her off. Luckily the bit she touched wasn't hot.

There's taking her out for hours on end to watch recreational sports in rain and ice.

There's girl asking for toy and crying and her dad deliberately not giving it to her, then throwing it up garden in dark, grabbing her and locking her in a dark room. They did this whilst guests in full view so heaven knows Whst happens when they're alone?

The child has no discipline whatsoever including mother running around with food for four hours trying to get her to eat, also not being able to stop her touching sharp objects etc.

I'm really concerned that the child is getting 1) risky situation that are dangerous 2) abuse from dad 3) no discipline to the point of danger from mum

What should I do?

[Claraoswald36]

You are right these are very concerning situations. That was a hard post to read and very upsetting. Please ring your local children's services and report this family. This child is at risk you are quite right.

[Claraoswald36]

I'm also bumping this for traffic

[bearleftmonkeyright]

I also think you are right to be concerned and hoping someone who works in child protection will pick this up. But in any event, the NSPCC might be the best people to contact.

[Claraoswald36]

Bearleft - I do work in cp. I'm telling the op to report direct

[bearleftmonkeyright]

Ok apologies .