When to Report??

[Mike]

This is so true. It's not simply an issue of falling of the bed, she seems to be lacking that "momma bear" instinct that makes us want to protect our children at all costs. That and common sense. She is definitely lacking common sense.

Definitely

I've done a lot of babysitting, but don't have any children of my own, and I'm not even female so even the "momma bear" instinct wouldn't be expected, BUT, I've watched kids from newborn up and even for me, common sense and my love for children in general made me make sure they were safe. I automatically wanted to know everything, so if I felt there was something I needed to know, I either asked someone, or did research.

Some people, like her and a friend of mine, just don't have the common sense to be safe parents. Even training may not help because my friend took a parenting course because she had to if she wanted to keep her kids. She learned nothing from it, or she just didn't care.

[KTsKids]

She most likely needs some parenting classes, along with child safety information. Do you know if any of the grandparents are in the picture ?

So here's the ironic thing, before doing childcare my line of work was teaching said parenting classes. I worked for a children's hospital as well as a non-profit called Safe Kids. Safe Kids entire mission is to reduce unintentional childhood injuries through education. I'm a certified child passenger safety technician and also taught classes in water safety, baby proofing, crib safety, poison prevention etc. I think that's part of why I feel so guilty about the second fall occurring. After the first accident I of course had a chat with her about proper supervision and how to prevent falls in the future, but I clearly didn't get my point across. I don't want to come off as insulting or condescending by trying to teach her things that most people would consider obvious, but I feel like I need to have a chat with her about safety basics...

The maternal grandfather is in the picture but from what I can gather that's where she picked up her current parenting skills. She's in the midst of a custody dispute with the father and the judge has appointed a guardian ad litem for DCB. The guardian actually interviewed me when she was first appointed so I have her contact information. I've already gone ahead and made a report with dfcs but I've considered contacting the guardian. I realize she isn't a social worker but she is a lawyer who's job it is to look out for DCB's best interest. Would you goes go that far or just leave it up to DFCS?

[Mike]

Would you goes go that far or just leave it up to DFCS?

Tough question. I'm thinking that since DFCS knows, it's in their hands, but my gut instinct would say, no harm in telling because that person would have more opportunity to do something about it, or at least have more control over the child's safety. I'm one who always goes with gut instincts, so I'd probably tell.

[Blackcat31]

So here's the ironic thing, before doing childcare my line of work was teaching said parenting classes. I worked for a children's hospital as well as a non-profit called Safe Kids. Safe Kids entire mission is to reduce unintentional childhood injuries through education. I'm a certified child passenger safety technician and also taught classes in water safety, baby proofing, crib safety, poison prevention etc. I think that's part of why I feel so guilty about the second fall occurring. After the first accident I of course had a chat with her about proper supervision and how to prevent falls in the future, but I clearly didn't get my point across. I don't want to come off as insulting or condescending by trying to teach her things that most people would consider obvious, but I feel like I need to have a chat with her about safety basics...

The maternal grandfather is in the picture but from what I can gather that's where she picked up her current parenting skills. She's in the midst of a custody dispute with the father and the judge has appointed a guardian ad litem for DCB. The guardian actually interviewed me when she was first appointed so I have her contact information. I've already gone ahead and made a report with dfcs but I've considered contacting the guardian. I realize she isn't a social worker but she is a lawyer who's job it is to look out for DCB's best interest. Would you goes go that far or just leave it up to DFCS?

no. Your job is to report. Contacting anyone else would be crossing a line in my opinion.

The guardian ad litem already knows you are the child's provider. DHS and CPS reports are shared with her since this is an on-going case so if she (or anyone in DHS or CPS) has any addition questions they'll contact you.

Getting overly involved (on a personal or emotional level) isnt always helpful or productive IME.

[KTsKids]

no. Your job is to report. Contacting anyone else would be crossing a line in my opinion.

You're right! I would totally be crossing the line, which seems obvious as I read your reply!