What to do about a Neighbor

[return to the red]

I have a lady that lives across the street from me, her Husband works on the rigs and is barely home. The problem that I have is that she has 2 kids (probably about the ages of 5 and 2), 2 dogs (1 is a puppy) 1 kitten and horrible parental skills.

Here is the problem that we have. She is just a complete moron when it comes to her kids and animals. There has been numerous times that I have come home to find her house wide open and the 2 year old playing out in the street with her nowhere to be found. The other day I came home and she left the little guy in the front seat of the vehicle with the driver side door wide open while she went into the house. I sat and watched as this little guy climbed out of the vehicle and started playing around in the front yard unsupervised! I've seen both kids take off down the street and her not even notice for a good 20 minutes at least! These scenarios happen on a daily basis.

Her pets are the same way, she has left all day without realizing that the dog was outside, tied the cat up for a few hours when it has only been a few degrees and even as I type this her new puppy is barking at the front door because she didn't notice him sneak out and he's been outside for 15 minutes and it's -4.

It's a good thing that we live in a quiet neighborhood and neither the kids or animals have been taken or hit by cars but I'm sure I'm not the only one who is a wits end by this lady because all my neighbors seem to have the same reaction passing the house.

That being said what would you do? She obviously isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer.

[zamler]

Pics or it didn't happen. In other words, document her actions, otherwise if you do decide to get the various agencies involved, it will be much easier for them and you.

[Traditional_Ale]

Think the kids are from the same father?

[drewboy12]

Worry about your own life...

[I_am_Beast]

[CedarMeter]

Phone Child services, tell them your story see what they say.

[Northendzone]

To me you can:
. Do nothing
. Talk to her or her hubby
. Call the po-po on the non-emergency line

[return to the red]

Originally Posted by drewboy12

Worry about your own life...

I have been for the past year but if one day I come home and hit one of those kids or dogs then it becomes part of my life.

Thanks for the contribution though

[Sr. Mints]

#### 'em.

Seriously. Is she hot?

Seriously-seriously. I would give 311 a call and see what they say, or see if thay can transfer you to someone who might have an idea how to handle this.

[afc wimbledon]

Don't do a thing, Darwin will sort it out soon enough.

[drewboy12]

Originally Posted by return to the red

I have been for the past year but if one day I come home and hit one of those kids or dogs then it becomes part of my life.

Thanks for the contribution though

Well if the kids are in danger, yes do something. A dog being outside for 15 minutes when it is -4 isn't a big deal.

Honestly, there are tons of bad parents out there. TONS! OK if the kids are playing in traffic, yes maybe go talk to her.

I avoid kids playing on the street where I live, of all ages 4 years and up... Its my job to drive slow and pay attention... Kids will be kids...

Hell the stuff I did as a three year old, four, five six... my whole life... I turned out fine.

honestly... If the kid id running around outside in -10 in a diaper yea I would call the police, or child protective services...

Man up, go speak to the women, ask her side of it, if you really want to get involved... Otherwise, like i said before. Worry about your own life.

Unless the kids are being abused, or harmed.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by drewboy12

Unless the kids are being abused, or harmed.

So, wait until the kid gets hit?

Yes, you should watch out for kids. But kids too young to know the dangers of traffic should not be out in traffic.

[Regular_John]

Sounds like my old neighbours, you don't happen to live in Killarney do you?

[psicodude]

If it were me, I know I would never forgive myself if something were to happen to one of those kids. Call the police and let the experts deal with her. At least you will be able to sleep at night if something tragic happens.

At worst, you are the nosy neighbour. At best, you save a life or two.

[Stumptown]

Talk to your other neighbors, and see if anyone else is would be willing to start documenting as well. The more evidence from more people, the more likely the reports will be paid attention to. Otherwise it might just appear to be a personal dispute. Get a week's worth of reports together and submit them together.

[DropIt]

Kidnap the children when she isn't looking. Days later you pay a child to drop off an unmarked envelope at their doorstep which contains a ransom note, a key and one of the older kids' fingers.

Demand 300,000 dollars for the return of the kids and lock them in a storage unit in which the contained key opens. Make sure you receive your payment somewhere succluded and thast the police are not to be involved.

She learns to take care of her children, you can afford to move to a new neighbourhood where you don't have to stress about a someone elses brats.
Win-win

[troutman]

You would look silly if they were midgets.

[puckluck]

Call the police?

[Thrillingbroom]

IIRC if any young children are outside and not-watched you can call Children's Aid. (Not sure if its the same name as in Ontario in Alberta) If you have any other concerns you can call Children's Aid/Alberta supports and ask them if the offenses you mentioned are 'reportable', you don't need to give them any of your personal information or your neighbors, they'll just advise you if its appropriate to report.

[drhu22]

Be true to your gut feelings.
If you you think someone is in danger then act on it.
To start phone someone you respect and trust for advice...grandfather/mother?/brother?
The internet is too full of disinterested/self-serving suggestions.