WWGDD?

Dis86

Dis86

Dis86

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Northern England
Evening folks!
In a bit of a moral quandary over what to do about something I saw today.
Basically next door neighbours have 2 kids. One who is 7 and a baby who is 18 months.
I've noticed the older one on a few occasions being more than a little rough with the baby when they think nobody is looking. I've seen them hit the baby. Pull a scarf the baby was wearing very tight. Pull the hat the baby was wearing down over their face. Luckily on all of these occasions the parents saw it.
Today however the baby was in a pushchair with a rain cover on. The older kid decided he wanted to use it as a punch bag and was putting his full force in to it. I didn't realise at the time the little one was in there otherwise I'd have intervened. It was only when the baby started crying that it stopped which just happened to be when the parents came out. The kid just stood there as if they'd done nothing.

Now's the problem. Do I tell my neighbours what I saw as I have a genuine concern about the baby? Or do I keep my nose out?

What would GD do?
 
I think something needs to be said to the parents.

Honestly though, the older child is probably feeling left out or neglected, the younger is most likely getting all the parent's attention and they probably resent that so they take it out on their sibling. The parents could possibly do with giving the child more one on one time.
 
stokecity_m said:
It really depends on your neighbours and the type of relationship you already have with them.
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This.

If you're chatty, then bring it up " I noticed x is a little rough with the baby on occasions" and go from there.

If, like most, your neighbors are near strangers, then just hope for the best.
 
I’m not sure you can be accused of sticking your nose in if you simply state what you factually saw in a non judgemental way.
 
stokecity_m said:
It really depends on your neighbours and the type of relationship you already have with them.
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They're good people - if a little inconsiderate sometimes. We ain't exactly best friends but we're on the terms that when we bump in to one another we'll have the odd 10 minute convo and whatnot. The big problem is there's only 3 houses on the street and as you will no doubt appreciate some people get very irrational when you mention anything about their kids in a negative light so even seeming like good people they can flip in an instant. I'd like to hope that wouldn't happen.
 
Start hitting the 7 year old and teach him that it isn't nice what he's doing to his younger sibling.

This is the only way to go.

If the causes any issues, then proceed straight to posting ones feces through their letterbox. Do not pass go. Do not collect £200.
 
Dis86 said:
They're good people - if a little inconsiderate sometimes. We ain't exactly best friends but we're on the terms that when we bump in to one another we'll have the odd 10 minute convo and whatnot. The big problem is there's only 3 houses on the street and as you will no doubt appreciate some people get very irrational when you mention anything about their kids in a negative light so even seeming like good people they can flip in an instant. I'd like to hope that wouldn't happen.
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If i was one of the parents, i'd like to know.
The trick is to tell them in a way as they don't get embarrassed etc.
 
The real question is, and I'm not saying this be funny or anything, what do you say to your neighbours as to how you have multiple times watched their kids if they call you out on it.

I'm just saying to consider the accusation as some people are that way inclined to jump the gun if you're insulting them.
 
What sort of neighbours are they? Do they have a rusty old Escort on bricks in the front lawn, a corner sofa and a penchant for quaffing Stella or are they amiable, understanding sorts.
 
You need to tell the parents. A 7 year old may or may not be aware of what they are doing and the consequences: it depends on the intelligence. As already said, older one is probably feeling jealous and/or left out.
 
Given the parents are aware of it some of the time, I'd assume they want to know about the times they're not aware of.
Before you say anything be clear about why you're doing it. It's for the good of the baby, not you, not the neighbour, not the older child.
I think an effective way to make the parents take action is to make them feel embarassed. The neighbours are watching. Take better care of your children. That sorta thing.
 
It depends what kind of relationship you have with your neighbours.

The closer the relationship the sooner I'd let them know.
 
Diddums said:
To put it quite bluntly: if the baby gets injured or worse, would you be able to live with yourself?
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This.

Just have a word and mention what you've seen.

You'll have to have some word smithing skills to not offend, but either way you have to say something.

Imagine the local paper with the story on its front page.

You're looking out for people. That's only a good thing.
 
If you want a middle ground, you could always leave an anonymous letter (post it even). Yeah, they might guess it's you, but they wouldn't know for definite.
 
I'd personally tell simply because if it was my kids I obviously wouldn't like what you're telling me but least I'd know to watch just that bit more careful.
 
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