I know I've done the right thing...so why do I feel uneasy about it!

[Jennsen]

This is about my neighbor and the way she treats her 4 children. Their ages are between 8yrs and 8mo.
I have had to keep my windows closed all summer, so I wont hear her constantly screaming and swearing at them. She has a very deep raspy voice and she screams the worst things at them that I could never repeat! I witnessed her hitting them, grabbing them by their arms and throwing them into chairs(outside)yanking and dragging them by their hair, and chasing them around while they cry in terror...not to mention what she does when she catches them. I have said a few things to her, and she will stop for a few hours, but then it seems to get worse, or I wont see one of the children for a day or two.
The husband drives a semi and is gone most of the time, but when he drives up to their house, they all come out running to him. He seems to be a good man, and talks to them, never screaming like she does, but never stops her either.
Last night while I was at work around 5:30pm, my daughter(who's 15yrs old) heard the little 3yr old girl(Emma) crying and begging for help outside their front door for over half an hour. She finally went over to see if she was OK, and asked her where her parents were. She said they were sleeping and she couldnt get inside. My daughter opened the door for her and gagged at the smell coming from inside the house. She let her in and ran for home...because she was scared this lady would scream at her too! Then she called me at work to see if she had done the right thing. I told her yes, but make sure the little girl wasnt alone.
This morning I called the Child Welfare and Abuse department and reported this situation....and they are over there right now.
I really feel uneasy about all this and do not wish to cause trouble with my neighbors, but something has to be done for these poor children! I just wish people, parents, pet owners(I'm feeding a little stray outside my door right this moment) could be more responsible, caring, mature, and not think this behavior is OK just because they're feeling no pain, or fear, or hurt feelings, or hunger! Sorry to vent like this, and the length this has become.

[Karen]

You absolutely did the right thing. You are to be commended. And even if the neighbor is mad at first, her children will one day thank you for any amelioration of their current conditions.

[King Spartacus]

You did the right thing! Well done you, for standing up for those who can (or aren't old enough) themselves!

[JenBKR]

You did the right thing, although I know how hard it was for you. Feel good about yourself, you may have saved those kids when so many others may have turned their backs. Have you ever heard the song "Concrete Angel" by Martina McBride? You should listen to it, you'll feel better about your decision.

[Jadapit]

You did the right thing!! We as adults have to be the voice's for the children sometimes. No child deserves to live or to be treated like that.

[luvofallhorses]

You absoulutely did the right thing! Don't feel bad about it, those children will be better off because of you. ((hugs))

[mruffruff]

Hooray for you!

You definitely did the right thing. More people should be willing to do the same.

Give yourself a pat on the back and sleep well tonight.

[grybai]

As everyone else said, you did the right thing. The situation with your neighbors sounds horrible and hopefully something will be done to improve the lives of those kids.

[lizbud]

You certainly did the right thing & good for you for doing it.
This woman needs help even if she doesn't admit it or know it
herself. You contacted the right people to help her & the children.
Too many people want to hold back & not become involved, but
it might save a life if we did. Thank you for stepping up to help.

[Jennsen]

Thank you all so much for your support! The Child Welfare Dept. just left their house about 15 minutes ago, and now she's screaming over towards my house and slamming doors....
I now have my cam-corder turned on and recording everything she does! It really sad that I've had to resort to doing this...all she has to do is be a loving caring parent, and a respectable neighbor! I find myself driving through other neighborhoods and thinking how lucky those people are that these people didnt chose a house near them! I'm sure things will settle down here, but I'm bracing myself for the worst!
Thank you again, your thoughts mean the world to me!

Jenn

[robinh]

You did the right thing. {{hugs}} You are a caring person who made a very difficult decision.

Just be careful and keep that camera on. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

[ramanth]

Good for you! I know how scary it is to get involved, but you did the right thing.

And it's obvious you are thinking ahead by video taping.

Be safe! *HUGS*

[Glacier]

I used to be a child protection social worker. Without people like you, who are brave enough and care enough to call in concerns, the system wouldn't work at all. It's not great the way it is, but so many more kids would live in terrible situations if concerns weren't reported.

Your identity is protected legally. The social worker can not reveal who reported the concerns. Even if the case ends up in court, your name can't be revealed.

You did the right thing. The system is slow sometimes. If you see anything else that worries you, call again. They can not have too much information. Every report helps them build a case and understand what is happening in the family, help the kids and hopefully change the parents behavior.

[catnapper]

Great job! someday those kids will have you to thank for gettign them the help they themselves weren't able to get. Please let us know what happens

[Christiansmommy]

Wow, those poor poor children. My heart goes out to them. How sad to grow up in a house like that. Good for you, for stepping in!! I agree, keep calling if it continues. The video taping is a good idea as well. I hope the mother wakes up and realizes what she is doing and gets help...or those 4 kids may end up getting seperated into seperate foster homes...I will keep those kids in my prayers.