Aibu to be a bit concerned about neighbours kids?

[Cherrytree1621]

Dp works from home and he told me he heard the neighbour call his child a fucking spastic because they didn't know where their mum was. So aibu to be a bit concerned about what goes on behind closed doors if he's shouting that to a child that can be no older than 12. I probably should mind my own business but it's rather concerning imo.

That is concerning and would fit the perimeters of emotional abuse. I'd report it. I think every parent loses their temper at some point but to call your child a name like that is beyond just being at the end of your tether.

That word makes me sick and no one should be called it. Is there any other concerning behaviour you’ve noticed. Don’t think much can be done about this other than keeping a eye and if other things happen that make you believe the child isn’t safe call social or police. Don’t think they would bother right now but over a child being called that

Just to add to pp comment above, they may not act solely on your report (even though they should). However it could be a larger piece of the picture for them if school or other people have voiced concerns.

The kids are always out with the mum either in the garden or going for a walk and nothing else concerning. Only ever see the dad take the dog for a walk.

Dad sounds like a dick.
Can you speak to their DM if she is approachable.
Unfortunately lots of people speak to their DC with a disgusting tongue.

Your partner may have heard wrong.
Some families speak in strange ways - you can not monitor how they speak.
Mind your own business.
Don't court drama.

@tentimesaday

Your partner may have heard wrong. Some families speak in strange ways - you can not monitor how they speak. Mind your own business. Don't court drama.

He did not hear wrong they were outside our house shouting, also calling a child a fucking spastic is not speaking in a strange way it's a disgusting way to talk to anyone let alone a child. Would you speak to your 12 year old like that?

@EmeraldShamrock

The mum keeps to herself will say hi in passing but nothing else, always in a rush with the kids

@tentimesaday

Your partner may have heard wrong. Some families speak in strange ways - you can not monitor how they speak. Mind your own business. Don't court drama.

I wouldn't describe calling a child a fucking spastic even close to speaking in strange ways. Obviously tone of voice plays a part. Some families are a bit sweary and joke with each other that way. Many a time we would have done something silly and was told to stop acting like fecking eejits but the tone was light, not aggressive, and we would laugh. Swearing in itself isnt bad depending on context but the name calling is horrible and I can't see how it could be seen any other way. Unfortunately too many people prefer not to court drama and as a result children suffer.

Spastic is a bit old school, not heard that in a while

Not nice but our Mum growing up would call us alsorts mongs/meffs/morons, "Which mong smashed the glass?"
On my estate that is how families spoke to their kids and partners. It was said instead of silly/daft and no one batted an eyelid. I wouldn't report because of that alone, some people do just talk like that.

The mum keeps to herself will say hi in passing but nothing else, always in a rush with the kids

This, in conjunction with the father's verbal abuse, is concerning.

Not sure what can be done, but maybe try to engage with her? She may be too scared to seel help, but might welcome a friendly, laid-back approach.