Should I report my neighbors?
@writerightmom (148)
United States
September 18, 2007 9:08pm CST
I am not a busy body or anything, and my husband and I always keep to ourselves, but there is a situation that has been bothering me lately. We just moved to Knoxville and our 7 year old goes to school with 7 & 5 year old siblings from across the street. We recently discovered that the dad leaves the children home alone while he works, for about 2 1/2 hours until his wife gets home. The kids are really well-behaved, but I would hate for something to happen while they are alone at home. Should I report the situation? Why or why not? I had decided not to, but it keeps eating at me. Thanks!
1 person likes this
7 responses
@Jshean20 (14349)
• Canada
19 Sep 07
That's a tough one! Like you, I would probably opt out of reporting the parents because they probably really do care about their children and maybe they don't see any other option. Unless you suspect that there is abuse going on, I wouldn't report it. Maybe you could even talk to the parents sometime and offer to kind of keep an eye out over that way and offer your phone number to their kids in case they ever need help..
2 people like this
@aseretdd (13730)
• Philippines
19 Sep 07
I think reporting them to social services or child welfare office would be unfair for the family and it might lead to a bigger problem for them...the best think is for you to talk to your neighbors first and ask them in a nice manner why they usually leave their children alone at home for more that two hours...
For some families who cannot afford a sitter... this is the only option... and if the children are well behave and quite responsible then i don't think there would be any problem... you can help in a way that would be helpful for you and their family as well...
@hikaruch4n (339)
• Australia
3 Nov 07
I think they have their own circumstances, so your decision not to report the situation is correct. If you really concern about it, why don't you try to talk to them?
By the way, are you able to give some aid such as taking care of them while their parents are not at home? If so, then you could offer your help ^^
@writerightmom (148)
• United States
8 Nov 07
Yes. I would watch these kids in a hearbeat! They're so sweet!
@acuityplague (763)
• United States
20 Sep 07
What a touchy situation. I don't know what I would do in your position. To me 7 and 5 seem awfully young to be left unsupervised. On the other hand I guess it depends on the maturity level of the 7 yearold.
I know I would have never left my children alone at that age. What if the house catches fire, somebody breaks in or one of them get badly hurt. Do the parents have an "emergancy adult" in place I wonder.
Boy..it really is a touchy situation! I wish I had some advice to give you, but i'm pulling a blank!
1 person likes this
@BlueAngelRS (2899)
• Canada
19 Sep 07
I personally probably would report it that is too young to be staying at home alone even for a couple of hours anything could happen to them...Are you willing to let them come to your home til the parents come home? Maybe you could talk to them and help them arrange child care.
1 person likes this
@SViswan (12051)
• India
20 Sep 07
Maybe the parents have no other option. Well, if I was in your place and really felt sorry for the kids..I would offer to take care of them for 2.5 hours. What are neighbours for? I've done that for my neighbours here..all of us look out for each other's kids.
@writerightmom (148)
• United States
8 Nov 07
Yes, I have offered but we have conflicting scheduels on some days.
