A Child Knocked On My Door Last Night

[safechner]

oh my goodness - i'm shocked at these responses!

i was a latch key kid when i was growing up, but there were times when i forgot my key. i remember one time in particular i had forgotten my key, it was freezing out, and i was about to pee on myself! i had planned on waiting on the porch (for 3 hours at 10 years old) but then my neighbor came outside and started talking to me. she found out i was locked out, etc. and let me come into her home.

my parents were NOT neglectful. i was a mature 10 year old and i just happened to forget my key one day. i would've been traumatized had my neighbor called the cops on my parents!

i have a B.S. degree in early childhood development so i know all about what's good and bad for children - but my goodness - sometimes common sense trumps everything! you don't tell a CHILD who comes knocking on the door NO for any reason, EVER! it scares the cr@p out of me that there are childcare providers that could ever shut the door in a little child's face. the parents would be different, but a CHILD??! you have joined the wrong professions - change jobs!

I would never shut the door in a little child's face. She just left so I closed the door. My husband rides his motorcycle to his friend's house just next door to her to check on her (he stays there to make sure she is ok). It takes about 30 mins later, her mother arrived home and didnt freak out at all.. She just arrived home like nothing happens. She went to her friend's house first and her friend's mother didn't take her in. She came to me but she didnt scared at all. She just was sad, that is all. How can be my fault? In the past 3 years, I have taken her in MANY TIMES when her parents are not home for one or two hours. I am over limited to watch the children in my home. I should get in trouble for that but I already explained to the parents but they dont care at all. They are keeping do it anyway. Hey this is not first time!! They have done to other parents in our neighborhoods. Yes, her parents are neglectful. I know their parents very well....

Finally, someone reported CPS on them about neglectful that happened two weeks ago that is what her father said. Her father came to my house and getting in angry with me last night because he thought I reported cps on them.. He just like to wait if my husband is gone to work or whatever. He can come here to yell at me anytime. Lucky, my husband just arrived home and he knew what was going on because the way he acts. He stopped yelled at me so my husband came to him, "What are you doing here." and he said nothing. He is scared of my husband then he told him to get off property so he will call cops on him if he come back again to treat me. Truth is, I didnt report cps on them. They can blame on me anytime they want but I know the truth, anyways...

[misol]

I would never shut the door in a little child's face. She just left so I closed the door. My husband rides his motorcycle to his friend's house just next door to her to check on her (he stays there to make sure she is ok). It takes about 30 mins later, her mother arrived home and didnt freak out at all.. She just arrived home like nothing happens. She went to her friend's house first and her friend's mother didn't take her in. She came to me but she didnt scared at all. She just was sad, that is all. How can be my fault? In the past 3 years, I have taken her in MANY TIMES when her parents are not home for one or two hours. I am over limited to watch the children in my home. I should get in trouble for that but I already explained to the parents but they dont care at all. They are keeping do it anyway. Hey this is not first time!! They have done to other parents in our neighborhoods. Yes, her parents are neglectful. I know their parents very well....

Finally, someone reported CPS on them about neglectful that happened two weeks ago that is what her father said. Her father came to my house and getting in angry with me last night because he thought I reported cps on them.. He just like to wait if my husband is gone to work or whatever. He can come here to yell at me anytime. Lucky, my husband just arrived home and he knew what was going on because the way he acts. He stopped yelled at me so my husband came to him, "What are you doing here." and he said nothing. He is scared of my husband then he told him to get off property so he will call cops on him if he come back again to treat me. Truth is, I didnt report cps on them. They can blame on me anytime they want but I know the truth, anyways...

safechner, I think that you did the right thing. You turned her away but you had someone keep watch on her to make sure she stayed safe until the parents arrived. It appears that the parents are trying to take advantage of more than one person in the neighborhood. And, this doesn't appear to be one of those "lost key" cases since it has happened several times over the past few months. Since the parents can't/won't pay, I believe they are hoping that someone will feel sorry for the child and take her in for free. I am glad that SOMEONE reported the parents because there is an obvious issue here. If it's not TRUE neglect, then the real issue should now come to light.

Just curious, you didn't say what time of night she knocked on the door. Since you have cared for the child before you are probably familiar with the parents' habits and work schedules. Does the mom or dad work 2nd or third shift??? Unless they work during the hours that the child is wandering around knocking on neighbors' doors there is absolutely no excuse for this young child to be home alone. Is she locked out of the hosue or can she get in but just doesn't want to be home alone?

Also, if the girl's father ever comes to your home again, it's a good bet he's not coming to borrow a cup of sugar so call the cops immediately. Since you have a pending case against them for nonpayment, nothing that you say is going to convince them that you were not the one who reported them. They may even try to retaliate so don't be surprised if licensing shows up at your door in response to a complaint - probably filed by this family.

[missnikki]

oh my goodness - i'm shocked at these responses!...(more balogna)...i have a B.S. degree in early childhood development so i know all about what's good and bad for children - but my goodness - sometimes common sense trumps everything! you don't tell a CHILD who comes knocking on the door NO for any reason, EVER! it scares the cr@p out of me that there are childcare providers that could ever shut the door in a little child's face. the parents would be different, but a CHILD??! you have joined the wrong professions - change jobs!

First off, register before you spout off on us.
Secondly, if you read the story, you'll notice the pattern of possible neglect that the parents have shown, both to the child AND the poster. As an educated professional, I'm certain that you are aware of your responsibility to report anything you find imappropriate. What I find funny is, the overall concensus was NOT report them, it was assess the situation and go from there, while making sure the girl is OK.
Third, not everyone has such wonderful trustworthy neighbors as you did growing up. Chances are, you are from a generation that was more relaxed and less protective than kids' today. I used to ride my bike around town at that age, but I would never dream of allowing my daughter to go out alone. It's a sad reflection on society today.
I've got news for you- That is what keeps people like you and me in a job.

[safechner]

safechner, I think that you did the right thing. You turned her away but you had someone keep watch on her to make sure she stayed safe until the parents arrived. It appears that the parents are trying to take advantage of more than one person in the neighborhood. And, this doesn't appear to be one of those "lost key" cases since it has happened several times over the past few months. Since the parents can't/won't pay, I believe they are hoping that someone will feel sorry for the child and take her in for free. I am glad that SOMEONE reported the parents because there is an obvious issue here. If it's not TRUE neglect, then the real issue should now come to light.

Just curious, you didn't say what time of night she knocked on the door. Since you have cared for the child before you are probably familiar with the parents' habits and work schedules. Does the mom or dad work 2nd or third shift??? Unless they work during the hours that the child is wandering around knocking on neighbors' doors there is absolutely no excuse for this young child to be home alone. Is she locked out of the hosue or can she get in but just doesn't want to be home alone?

Also, if the girl's father ever comes to your home again, it's a good bet he's not coming to borrow a cup of sugar so call the cops immediately. Since you have a pending case against them for nonpayment, nothing that you say is going to convince them that you were not the one who reported them. They may even try to retaliate so don't be surprised if licensing shows up at your door in response to a complaint - probably filed by this family.

No, she don't have the key to get in the house. Yes, you are right they are looking for someone who feels sorry for her to take her in for free. That is what my husband said all the time. Her mother is staying home for now because she don't have anyone who will watch her child since I reported her providerwatch for nonpayment. I am not sure if she works or not, who knows. The mother work from 9am to 6pm and the father work from 8am to 5pm but he is home all the time since he works construction. He thinks it is ok for his older daughter to come to my house for free because no one at home.

I know they can report complaint against me but I have nothing to hide if licensing shows up at my house. But they think I am their babysitting, I have reminder them I am not a babysitter! Also, it is very strange that they dont need my ssn for claiming their child care tax. I am still report my income that they paid me anyways! My husband told me that they may not report their tax that he is working with his brother like he get paid cash only under the table, who knows...