Hi all
I have shared custody of my 8 and 6 year olds with my ex for about 15 months now, but am becoming increasingly concerned about their welfare on her weeks. To try and keep it brief my main concerns are:
- 8 year old (who has bladder issues) routinely sleeping in a wet bed or on the floor.
- Both staying up past midnight watching tv or playing tablets every night
- Regularly sleeping in beds without sheets or pillowcases
- Regularly going to school in soiled underwear
- Not bathing for the entire week pretty much every week
- Not brushing teeth ever
- Falling asleep in class on numerous occassions
- Not having regular meals (when i collected them at 3.30 yesterday they had nothing to eat all day)
- Regularly late to school on mum's week
There are so many more things but as i said i'll keep it brief. I have discussed this with the school on a number of occassions and they have noted some of these issues independantly of my input in their book of concerns. But whilst they are concerned, they have been reluctant to act (I was given assurances on the final day of term that they will try to help somehow if things don't change after the summer holidays) and have directed me towards social services. I feel though there are far worse cases out there which rightly take up all social service's resources, and I can't imagine they will have much time for me.
I have tried reasoning with my ex, who flits between "I know I've lost control and need help" and "F-off and stop lecturing me". I've spoken to friends and family who refuse to get involved, and I've tried actively helping her myself. She just always seems to put her own needs before those of our children and I don't know where else to turn for help with this. Like I said, I know there are children out there far worse off than mine, but I can't sit back and ignore it any longer and would appreciate any advice.
Thanks