I've been keeping an ear out to see if he's come back yet (where I sit, I can see out the front window, but can't see their house directly, so I can't see if he's come back). He could get really hurt in this weather. And the fact that that's preferable to being in the house with her is terrifying.
And my fucking childhood has broken my calibration, because I keep second-guessing myself and thinking "Well, it's not *that* bad, right? I'm overreacting." It literally takes you calling it heartbreaking for me to realize that it's actually pretty awful and not okay.
Steph, from what you describe, it sounds like somebody needs to intervene in that situation. My detector of emotional abuse doesn't work very well. But that child needs help. If he's so upset as to run out the door when so inadequately dressed for the weather, something is terribly wrong.
If he's so upset as to run out the door when so inadequately dressed for the weather, something is terribly wrong.
This. Can you call CPS and say you're not sure if they should be involved but describe what you saw?
Steph, Carolyn Hax often recommends people who don't quite know what to do call Childhelp, 1-800-4-A-CHILD; she says, "it's a child-abuse-prevention nonprofit and a good source of guidance on getting involved."
Here's one column where she recommends it: [link]
While I was composing a post about how I can call CPS and tell them what's going on and they'll determine whether it's severe enough for intervention, I heard yelling outside and the mom had found the son and was dragging him up the front steps and then kicked him through the front door into the house.
I called the police. I can't stop crying.
{{{Tep}}}
That's so awful. I'm glad you called.
OMG, Steph, that's awful. I am so sorry - for you and for those poor kids. God.
I'm glad you called. Many hugs to you and the neighbor kid.
