I'm at a bit of a loss as to what to do.... A week ago I was at the park when I saw a two year old boy come to the park on his own- I kept looking for mum to be around the corner - no one came - I grabbed my daughter and followed him and asked him where mummy was - he didn't respond and starte to walk back to where he came from- then a four year old girl ran after him shouting his name they played for a bit and I asked them a few things but no answer- they then both ran to where they came from and I followed them to see that the live on the other side of the little bridge about 100 meters from their house- but separated by trees and a small creek....they came back ten minutes later but this time their mum followed behind (2 or 3 minutes after) so we got to talking as she said she has a 1 week old baby. I put it down to hen running out without er noticing and let it go .. Even if it left me unsettled- she said her gs and was at home with the baby-
Then half hour later her husband came- no baby. He stayed for about 20 minutes an both my friend and I got a weird vibe - then he left when she said what I think was go check on the baby.
In my head I was thinking maybe it's just chaos- and someone else is there with bubs or maybe she doesn't have a problem with him roaming she is from Fiji and only been here for 3 months- wen I was in samoa I saw children this young roaming around their large yards- near roads and with slightly older siblings- I wondered if that has something todo with it?
So this week iv seen the exact thing happen twice more after this totally 3 times in a week . After it happened today I'm so un nerved.
What would you do? What should I do?? I'm a bit lost how to handle it - or if I should step in at all.
I feel I should as my gut is just turning at the situation- but whAt to do? Never been in a position remotely like this
5 Replies
I really am unsure on what the best thing for you to do is, however if I were youy first port of call would be the local police station. Explain the situation and ask them what they feel you should do about this. I say go to the police as I feel these actions warrant an investigation into possible child neglect which is a criminal offence and a police matter (police will also get DoCS involved if they feel the situation warrants this).
Good luck and thankyou for caring enough about these children that you feel the need to seek help on their behalf! :)
Next time you see them by themselves I would call the police and say "there are two children here without any sign of their mother" I would pretend I didn't know they lived up the road, the police will quickly learn what's going on and put an end to it a lot faster (hopefully) by talking to the parents. You could report them but this can be a long process as they would need proof of what's happening and how often, it can also take some time to get to them. Otherwise maybe just have a chat with the mum and explain how in our culture this isn't really appropriate and explain the dangers, I'd be using the missing boy as an example...
Next time you see them by themselves I would call the police and say "there are two children here without any sign of their mother" I would pretend I didn't know they lived up the road, the police will quickly learn what's going on and put an end to it a lot faster (hopefully) by talking to the parents. You could report them but this can be a long process as they would need proof of what's happening and how often, it can also take some time to get to them. Otherwise maybe just have a chat with the mum and explain how in our culture this isn't really appropriate and explain the dangers, I'd be using the missing boy as an example...
It sounds like it could be a cultural difference however I'd still report it.
I wouldn't say this is cultural. People do alsorts when theyre 'at home' but it's not without considering safety. She knows she's not at home, she doesn't know the streets or neighbours. my husband is from a small village but would never do that here. it's More likely personal choice, situational home problems, etc. I agree to report it for the sake of the kids but have no idea how to do that.