Harsh treatment raises concern
Dear Annie: I am writing you out of concern for some small children who attend my church. The boy is about 5 years old and the girl is 3.
The parents, with little provocation, severely discipline these children. One minute the mom will be kissing and cuddling her little boy, the next she is pinching him really hard. I have seen her flick his neck, and others have observed her slapping him across the face. They are constantly taking the children outside to spank them for not behaving.
I spoke with the mother about the discipline, and she told me to mind my own business. She said her mother treated her and her brothers the same, and they grew up to be wonderful, successful adults.
I also am concerned about their living conditions. I’ve been in their home, and although it looks clean, the children’s bedrooms have the odor of old cat urine in the carpets, and you can smell it from the living room.
What can I do? – Concerned Neighbor
Dear Neighbor: The fact that these parents grew up to be “wonderful, successful adults” is highly subjective, and their children may not be so fortunate.
You can report the behavior to your local child welfare agency and let them investigate. But we suggest you first discuss this with your clergyperson, who may have observed the same behavior and is in a position to talk to the parents from a place of authority. We hope they will listen.
Dear Annie: I work for a federally funded employment and training agency in Maryland and work with women just like “A Discarded Wife.”
A listing of all the Workforce Investment Act One-Stop Centers in the nation is available at: www.doleta.gov/usworkforce/onestop/onestopmap.cfm. She should be eligible to get assistance in identifying possible careers and the training necessary to reach her goal.
I send my thoughts, prayers and best wishes to her. I know this is truly a tough time and want her to know she is not alone. – Someone Who Cares
Dear Someone: Thank you for providing this resource for our readers. One-Stop Centers are part of the U.S. Department of Labor, and those without access to computers can call 877-US2-JOBS (877-872-5627) for this information.