We have been having a hard time with this kid since January. Acting out, tantrum throwing, sometimes gets violent. The other para in the room and I spend more time handling him than we do working with the kids we are assigned to. Couple of weeks ago, he threw a fit and mom came to get him around noon. She decided what they were going to do was sit in the classroom and work on his work and she would stay with him. Ok, fine.

So they did that for an hour or so and then he started in on one of this tantrums and mom? Well, she snatched that child up by his arm and WAILED ON HIM in front of the kids. Me, Mrs H, and Mrs G were so flabbergasted, all we could do was sit there and stare. We reported it to the principal, but nothing happened.

We know what the issues are. The whole crisis and intervention team knows, but we aren't getting ANY support from them. AT ALL. It sucks for us but it totally sucks for the kid because he isn't getting support at home either.

I have been advised by an outsider that I should call CPS, but ... I am hesitant. I'm not sure why, but I am.

I'm going to see Avengers tonight, then I play to actually sleep in tomorrow for the first time in...um...weeks? Months? I'm not sure. Then tomorrow night I'm doing more programming on the show out here in FL, but I think I might actually get Sunday off.

Must go pick up kids for double play dates!

I have been advised by an outsider that I should call CPS, but ... I am hesitant. I'm not sure why, but I am.

Aims, are you a mandatory reporter?

Jilli, all the reviews are uniformly bad.

I know. ::wails::

But it does seem obligatory for you.

Considering a writer from the Financial Times (!!!) is using quotes from me about vampire/goth fashion in today's article about it, yeah. I am kind of honor-bound to go see it.

I think you can report even if you aren't a mandatory reporter, but a mandatory reporter must report.

We're having breakfast at 8am tomorrow with mr. flea's old advisor and his wife, whom I've never met. Not sure they know anything about children.

Then it's Mother's Day. I am hoping The Bonbonerie is involved.

I sent my own mother The Family Fang as a present. I hope she doesn't take it the wrong way (it's about a dysfunctional family, but I figured it was a better choice than Alison Bechdel's new book about her crazy mother.)

Hey, isn't it time for "What are people doing this weekend?"

Tonight, seeing improvised swashbuckling. Tomorrow, Avengers in the morning, Writers with Drinks featuring JZ's college buddy, Greg Rucka, in the evening.

I am a mandated reporter. However, spanking one's child - albeit in public - is not considered abuse. Other than that, he does not outwardly meet the parameters of suspected physical abuse.

The behaviors can be attributed to specific circumstances, however mom knows about it and was the one who informed us. We just don't think she's getting him any help for it.

Good lord, Aims. That sounds terrible. When I worked at the daycare center, we had a kid who was clearly troubled, but probably not abused, and staff tried to get the parents to see it, but didn't feel like they could do any more. He wasn't really hurting anyone, but then again, he was four.

My weekend plans include AVENGERS FINALLY, party supply shopping, and family per usual.