I've changed a couple of details and name changed.
I have a toddler niece who for various reasons I am very close to, see on a regular basis so I know all of these details to be factual.
At first I thought none of this was any of my business but now I'm worried about her well being and will she grow up wondering why none of the adults around her did anything. Plus my DM is beside herself but gets shut down and shouted at if she tries to help.
DN is never given breakfast despite sometimes sitting down at the table and asking for food in the morning.
She is put to bed far far too late (think 9pm) and is often screaming with exhaustion in the evening.
She is up at 7am and taken to nursery crying with tiredness and hunger despite the fact there's no need for her to go until midday sometimes.
She is never given fruit or vegetables despite the fact that she will eat them if given to her by someone else so not a fussy thing.
In the evening when she's exhausted she is sometimes smacked or made to stand in the naughty corner for being bad even though surely it's clear she's just exhausted.
She is clearly ready for toilet training, asks to go and is just told to go in her nappy. I'm assuming they just can't be bothered??
I realise some of these things in isolation aren't too much of a big deal but I don't feel like I can watch a child asking for breakfast and not being given any. My DM has been told off for interfering when offering to make breakfast and I'm too scared to offer now!
When I am looking after DN she eats well and goes to bed at an appropriate time without a fuss so she's clearly craving routine.
Most of the time her parents are messing about on their phones or arguing about whose turn it is to change nappies, take her to bed, bath her to actually just bloody do it.
She is also sent to nursery sometimes with no coat or hat in the winter.
I'm sorry if any of this is judgemental or jumbled. I do love her parents but feel that as she is a small child she deserves more.
She is also permanently pale looking and ill (I know kids do get ill but I feel with more sleep and better food she'd surely be healthier).
I don't know what to do or even if I should do something?