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LeftyMom

(49,212 posts)

288. The older child is ten?!? That's old enough to watch a sibling. Mind your own business.

Fri Jun 13, 2014, 06:39 PM

Jun 2014

Last edited Fri Jun 13, 2014, 07:58 PM - Edit history (1)

Put the gas in your name and fold it into the rent. For safety reasons it's your responsibility to make sure it's on, and you'd be up a creek if a pipe froze in a cold snap because the unit doesn't have heat, or improvised cooking started a fire because they can't use the stove. That's literally the only part of this situation that has anything to do with you.

You're a landlord. You're not a social worker. If you want to be a social worker you need to go back to school for that.

Your concerns are: the quiet enjoyment of the neighbors if it's a multi-unit dwelling, safety, the upkeep of the property.

Your concerns are not: anything that goes on in the rented unit that isn't making excessive noise or breaking things.

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This message was self-deleted by its author [View all] mopinko Jun 2014 OP

Those kids are so lucky to have you looking out for them. CaliforniaPeggy Jun 2014 #1

i am quite attached to them mopinko Jun 2014 #3

Post removed Post removed Jun 2014 #90

creepy! you rented the home, 'because of the 5 year old.' Sunlei Jun 2014 #102

Edited... I can see emotions are running high in this thread. ScreamingMeemie Jun 2014 #355

yeah. with a family apartment, mopinko Jun 2014 #394

sure you have 'rights' as a landlord & who you lease to have rights also. Not sure where you live, Sunlei Jun 2014 #434

my alderman wrote the ordinance mopinko Jun 2014 #494

are you kidding? read it again. she's trying to make them foster kids. CreekDog Jun 2014 #44

I agree with you me b zola Jun 2014 #51

I also agree Duppers Jun 2014 #231

It is totally wrong. edgineered Jun 2014 #72

Sounds like the landlord can afford to help with no strings attached. bobGandolf Jun 2014 #438

+1 This is one of the most cruel threads I have ever read on DU. Maybe on the internet. The op is Ed Suspicious Jun 2014 #464

With due respect, the mother sounds overwhelmed. Gormy Cuss Jun 2014 #64

its not a few hours. mopinko Jun 2014 #207

a ten year old is there, and it's not enough for you? kids must hang out with you why? bettyellen Jun 2014 #301

Post removed Post removed Jun 2014 #329

Post removed Post removed Jun 2014 #334

WOW- thanks!! What in the world did they say!! bettyellen Jun 2014 #380

someone who disagreed with you JI7 Jun 2014 #396

WOW, someone blew their first hidden post on little old me! I have been popular lately- thanks bettyellen Jun 2014 #400

Post removed Post removed Jun 2014 #214

Post removed Post removed Jun 2014 #465

You're doing the right thing to protect those kids, but it's hard. Hekate Jun 2014 #2

its really not fair. mopinko Jun 2014 #4

I hope they are able to hook this mom up with some help instead LuvNewcastle Jun 2014 #5

+1 million Louisiana1976 Jun 2014 #187

that is my expectation mopinko Jun 2014 #208

well roommate told me got me when she left this morning, mopinko Jun 2014 #6

She is working at night and she needs to sleep and that cheeses you? boston bean Jun 2014 #7

no no no. mopinko Jun 2014 #16

So, you call the people that will take her children away. boston bean Jun 2014 #20

see this reply mopinko Jun 2014 #202

Maybe she's too tired and drained to do what she needs to with these things. polly7 Jun 2014 #23

They're more likely to just take her kids from her. The kids would probably rather be pnwmom Jun 2014 #27

yep 2pooped2pop Jun 2014 #33

Well, everybody's entitled to their own opinion, but not their own facts. Shrike47 Jun 2014 #222

not direct pay incentives 2pooped2pop Jun 2014 #253

not happening mopinko Jun 2014 #224

watch and you will see it happen 2pooped2pop Jun 2014 #272

listen, i did check out what the consequences here COULD be. mopinko Jun 2014 #442

you obviously have no exprience or knowledge about cps 2pooped2pop Jun 2014 #447

i know MY cps mopinko Jun 2014 #469

yeah, well let us know how that works out for you 2pooped2pop Jun 2014 #470

oh, at this point i guess i have to. mopinko Jun 2014 #473

yeah, I'm sure that Chicago cps is easier going than my 2pooped2pop Jun 2014 #534

its not just when she sleeps, mopinko Jun 2014 #216

A 10 year old and a 5 year old home alone all night is not safe. Period. DeadLetterOffice Jun 2014 #526

you have to give her credit for not letting her kid hang out with you CreekDog Jun 2014 #46

No. No. I can't do it. But I have to..... NCTraveler Jun 2014 #48

I know it pains you, and I understand CreekDog Jun 2014 #49

We are actually in agreement. nilesobek Jun 2014 #453

oh they will shake some shit loose for her alright 2pooped2pop Jun 2014 #83

That is not what cops do BainsBane Jun 2014 #119

no, i called at the wrong moment when someone was there. mopinko Jun 2014 #232

you called the cops hoping the kids were alone and figured the cops would what? uppityperson Jun 2014 #270

yeah, you dont seem to know the dif between hoped and knew. mopinko Jun 2014 #399

Here you said you called a second time BainsBane Jun 2014 #289

no. i called again because the roommate told me she would be leaving. mopinko Jun 2014 #393

Post removed Post removed Jun 2014 #462

you are 180� incorrect. mopinko Jun 2014 #475

What kind of "roommate" is never there? pnwmom Jun 2014 #310

one that works nights too. mopinko Jun 2014 #391

You said she was leaving at 6 am. That's not a night job. pnwmom Jun 2014 #398

what part of almost every night are you missing? mopinko Jun 2014 #404

How come you didn't mention in the OP that there was a 10 year old there, too? pnwmom Jun 2014 #406

well, predicting what nits will get picked here is impossible to predict. mopinko Jun 2014 #443

But there is a huge difference between a 5 and a 2 year old, and a 10 and a 5 year old. pnwmom Jun 2014 #451

this 10 yo is a timid and gentle boy. mopinko Jun 2014 #476

Have you thought about giving the older boy a prepaid cell phone, pnwmom Jun 2014 #506

coz a ten year old doesn't sound so pathetic and helpless 2pooped2pop Jun 2014 #536

Here's the thing. Mom is at home. She might be sleeping but they Autumn Jun 2014 #19

+1000 uppityperson Jun 2014 #54

Bingo WolverineDG Jun 2014 #91

please read updated op. mopinko Jun 2014 #271

Edit: I see the other kid is 10 WolverineDG Jun 2014 #283

all night long? mopinko Jun 2014 #315

i'm not talking about naps. mopinko Jun 2014 #221

no, she is gone all night mopinko Jun 2014 #225

How will the kids "be alone when she is home"? Parents who work night shift need to sleep uppityperson Jun 2014 #53

no, she is gone all night, then sleeps all morning. mopinko Jun 2014 #226

Yeah, how dare a working mother think she is entitled to sleep? WolverineDG Jun 2014 #89

Post removed Post removed Jun 2014 #129

+1 n/t Doremus Jun 2014 #203

SMH Mr Dixon Jun 2014 #8

there is no way this gets foster care. i had no fear of that. mopinko Jun 2014 #17

If she ends up with a black mark on the record for this, it might backfire with Section 8. pnwmom Jun 2014 #28

About Sec.8 waiting lists and code requirements Gormy Cuss Jun 2014 #36

the unit is basically compliant. mopinko Jun 2014 #219

Calling the police on a parent for child neglect and you had no fear of it getting to foster care? uppityperson Jun 2014 #56

I can't fathom someone not realizing that the kids could be removed .... ? etherealtruth Jun 2014 #173

srsly, yes. i know what the system here is like. mopinko Jun 2014 #223

You really want this mother to get a visit from CPS? Sissyk Jun 2014 #239

But that was because the roommate was there. You said they were often left all night pnwmom Jun 2014 #267

the just wouldnt. the cops told me as much. mopinko Jun 2014 #294

u saidcops were out front talking to dfs 2pooped2pop Jun 2014 #292

cpd=chicago police department dcfs=dept of children and family services. mopinko Jun 2014 #297

then what is this 2pooped2pop Jun 2014 #345

all i edited is in bold. mopinko Jun 2014 #405

read the edited versions for the whole thing 2pooped2pop Jun 2014 #449

You didn't give her the benefit of the doubt. Why should the system? Brickbat Jun 2014 #58

i did give the the doubt, and tried to hook her up with help. mopinko Jun 2014 #233

Calling the cops doesn't really seem to be giving the benefit of the doubt. Brickbat Jun 2014 #243

i tried everything else. mopinko Jun 2014 #402

Don't be so sure. moriah Jun 2014 #63

i did all that and more. mopinko Jun 2014 #445

"chicago requires landlord to pay attention to what is going on in their units" Cal Carpenter Jun 2014 #500

in pa where I live I believe it's called TorchTheWitch Jun 2014 #517

Section 8 is a two year wait in most circumstances yeoman6987 Jun 2014 #77

the wait is interminable in chicago mopinko Jun 2014 #317

This message was self-deleted by its author Cal Carpenter Jun 2014 #87

What is so ridiculous about CHA code? I read the inspection checklist. Seems reasonable. PeaceNikki Jun 2014 #103

The self-inspection checklist is based on HUD's Housing Quality Standards form Gormy Cuss Jun 2014 #174

its really not so much the code. i have no problem fixing things. mopinko Jun 2014 #237

so they missed 1 appointment and you missed 2 appointments, but it's all their fault magical thyme Jun 2014 #440

no, they blew one, then we missed one. mopinko Jun 2014 #480

Then what was the point of notifying the police? BainsBane Jun 2014 #108

the point was exactly to work the system for those boys mopinko Jun 2014 #229

Now you don't like the school she sends her kids to? BainsBane Jun 2014 #234

Elsewhere she is upset that the 5 yr old isn't in preschool. Odd uppityperson Jun 2014 #250

yeah, he belongs in preschool. mopinko Jun 2014 #255

You do know preschool is optional, don't you? Again, it can be frustrating but reporting him for not uppityperson Jun 2014 #261

none of that is your concern BainsBane Jun 2014 #280

^^This times a zillion Cal Carpenter Jun 2014 #296

Sounds like someone has boundary issues. nt laundry_queen Jun 2014 #341

i warned them when they moved in that i watch what goes on in my building. mopinko Jun 2014 #379

feudalism was abolished centuries ago. BainsBane Jun 2014 #418

actually quite untrue mopinko Jun 2014 #479

Post removed Post removed Jun 2014 #468

"he used to go" yet you also say "he is in a public school program". Which is it? uppityperson Jun 2014 #417

I thought you said the 5 yr old isn't in school, that was a complaint of yours. uppityperson Jun 2014 #249

he is in a public school program for a couple hours in the morning. mopinko Jun 2014 #314

It's summer, so the 10 year old is there to play with. pnwmom Jun 2014 #403

all night long. all alone. not even a phone. mopinko Jun 2014 #407

You are right, the kids should have a phone. I would have bought them a cheap one pnwmom Jun 2014 #410

Criticizing for turning down an "offer" makes it seem less of an "offer" and more of a demand. uppityperson Jun 2014 #416

well, when you try to help someone, and they dont take it, mopinko Jun 2014 #486

Who the hell are you to decide liberalhistorian Jun 2014 #360

i didnt decide. i brought in those whose job it is to decide. mopinko Jun 2014 #383

It isn't about hism spending time with you, just about being outside spending time with you? uppityperson Jun 2014 #419

no, i am reporting them because they are not safe. mopinko Jun 2014 #499

How old is the other kid? You said one was 5. morningfog Jun 2014 #9

I agree. Not sure how this could be arranged but maybe rewrite her lease so that it requires a MillennialDem Jun 2014 #10

you can't treat someone different because they have children CreekDog Jun 2014 #71

I'm not a lawyer, but I don't know that that rises to the level of discrimination - but I still MillennialDem Jun 2014 #236

i did tell her. i told her flat out that i was going to call. mopinko Jun 2014 #230

you won't evict her, but look down on her for driving her kids to a school that isn't right there, uppityperson Jun 2014 #252

Be proud when they take the kids away. Shes not a good mom anyway right ? NM_Birder Jun 2014 #11

"i have tried to hook her up with some help, but she is pretty, well, not working it." Brickbat Jun 2014 #12

i think it loosely translates into La Lioness Priyanka Jun 2014 #41

"I gave her a list of agencies that can help, and I can't believe she hasn't changed her lifestyle" Brickbat Jun 2014 #57

yeah, its hella easy to judge poor single mothers, because truly they do not have the resouces La Lioness Priyanka Jun 2014 #61

And with all the studies that have come out regarding the effects of stress and swing-shift work on Brickbat Jun 2014 #67

so, the poor should not have kids at all-because they won't be catapulted into the middle class? bettyellen Jun 2014 #257

Which I said exactly nowhere. Brickbat Jun 2014 #302

Sorry if I misunderstood. I have seen it suggested here, that people who are not rock solid bettyellen Jun 2014 #304

No apology necessary -- you're right, a lot of society seems to think that being poor means you're Brickbat Jun 2014 #365

Infuriating is right! bettyellen Jun 2014 #375

The poor do have kids. I think the implication, not made by Brickbat, but by the people who I think Ed Suspicious Jun 2014 #455

i know this issue inside and out. mopinko Jun 2014 #265

Well said. And even more importantly, children are often not a choice like a pet who can be pawned Ed Suspicious Jun 2014 #454

means i call my alderman and get some info on money to get her gas back on. mopinko Jun 2014 #259

One child is five, how old is the other? Where is he while the Autumn Jun 2014 #13

A 10 year old is there, too. n/t pnwmom Jun 2014 #308

he is at school mopinko Jun 2014 #389

Why not lower the rent so she can get help? nt Dreamer Tatum Jun 2014 #14

you called the cops because they were alone for 1 hour? riverwalker Jun 2014 #15

Fail Boom Sound 416 Jun 2014 #139

no i didnt and yes i did. mopinko Jun 2014 #260

I always think of the 'it takes a village' quote when I see things like this. polly7 Jun 2014 #18

its only a 2flat. mopinko Jun 2014 #376

I assume her largest expense is rent, paid to you. Bluenorthwest Jun 2014 #21

yeah, to the bank, to the tax man, to the hardware store, mopinko Jun 2014 #395

You are quite the well intentioned busybody already stretched thin, but maybe you could find it in Ed Suspicious Jun 2014 #456

You take her money, then complain she does not have enough. Bluenorthwest Jun 2014 #502

How old is her other child? NCTraveler Jun 2014 #22

In what way is she 'not a good mom' Bettie Jun 2014 #24

Well, if the mother won't let her kids "hang" with her/him boston bean Jun 2014 #25

yeah, I picked up on that too. magical thyme Jun 2014 #45

Yeah, I'm glad it wasn't just me creeped out by that. Puzzledtraveller Jun 2014 #358

I agree. polly7 Jun 2014 #32

I think it's because she won't cook Ilsa Jun 2014 #186

i have a business to run, but have invited the child many times. mopinko Jun 2014 #316

How about reducing the rent the amount a babysitter would cost? Egnever Jun 2014 #359

how about i just sink my old age to take care of someone else's children. mopinko Jun 2014 #372

So then telling their mother that the kids come first was a lie in order to get the coveted ScreamingMeemie Jun 2014 #381

If she loves them and they know it, I'm not sure they'll be better off in the system. pnwmom Jun 2014 #26

ugh bigtree Jun 2014 #29

+1 MadrasT Jun 2014 #30

Sorry to have to say this but... grattsl Jun 2014 #31

Even if the kids are removed Boom Sound 416 Jun 2014 #141

smooth CreekDog Jun 2014 #153

Why are we supposed to believe in the system? BainsBane Jun 2014 #156

Post removed Post removed Jun 2014 #176

You think abuse is funny? wtf? uppityperson Jun 2014 #178

Post removed Post removed Jun 2014 #180

Does it always not work out? treestar Jun 2014 #342

Children are not removed "forever" from homes? huh uppityperson Jun 2014 #171

No we're not supposed to 'believe in the system'. We are supposed to have compassion sabrina 1 Jun 2014 #235

Damn Sabrina you are spot on today! bravenak Jun 2014 #351

Omg that just turned my stomach bravenak. A four year old! sabrina 1 Jun 2014 #484

They gave the child a settlement. bravenak Jun 2014 #503

Congratulations. You just made things much, much worse. DesMoinesDem Jun 2014 #34

She has a crappy (literally) job, 2 kids and no man, RENT PLUS UTILITIES, and doesn't want her kid WinkyDink Jun 2014 #35

I find it interesting that she has been asked the age of the second child Autumn Jun 2014 #37

The person has responded to a couple of posts AFTER that question was asked. NCTraveler Jun 2014 #40

Earlier, she said he was 10, if i'm not misaken. juajen Jun 2014 #335

What a terrible mom, working a job to try and support her children by herself might I add. dilby Jun 2014 #60

do you really think these kids will be better off in foster care? La Lioness Priyanka Jun 2014 #38

she invites me to their parties. he calls me grandma. mopinko Jun 2014 #282

You are NOT their Grandma, and B2G Jun 2014 #298

did you guys have a fallout? because people accept help unless the help came with too many strings La Lioness Priyanka Jun 2014 #309

well we are fell out now, i guess. mopinko Jun 2014 #313

You're not grandma BainsBane Jun 2014 #327

not even. they made me the grandma. mopinko Jun 2014 #370

I am not feeling any sort of "affection" past or present from you toward anyone but the ScreamingMeemie Jun 2014 #378

Do you have any grandkids of your own? snooper2 Jun 2014 #386

They clearly did NOT make you Grandma BainsBane Jun 2014 #420

go look in the mirror. a long hard look. you clearly have no idea how you're coming off cali Jun 2014 #333

I know right. My creep senses are tingling Mrdrboi Jun 2014 #428

You are a fucking landlord Cal Carpenter Jun 2014 #338

+1 Ed Suspicious Jun 2014 #467

You mean she won't take liberalhistorian Jun 2014 #362

You're not the grandma. tammywammy Jun 2014 #363

she made me the grandma. mopinko Jun 2014 #477

I think she did that because she thought you had a heart and because you hold all arthritisR_US Jun 2014 #514

"i think she is a bad mom for keeping a kid in a dark, cold apartment when they could be helping..." uppityperson Jun 2014 #421

no, i think she is a bad mom for refusing an offer of help that would have been mopinko Jun 2014 #493

There is a difference between an "offer" and a "demand". uppityperson Jun 2014 #501

Maybe the bouncy boy has allergies or some other medical condition? MADem Jun 2014 #508

Well.. That was nosy... Antler Jun 2014 #39

I can't imagine why she wouldn't let her kids stay with you. mattclearing Jun 2014 #42

a stellar landlord with an apartment that is not up to code CreekDog Jun 2014 #55

+1 mitchtv Jun 2014 #98

More like slumlord from the sound of it. Hassin Bin Sober Jun 2014 #110

I agree Rhinodawg Jun 2014 #92

The kids might not have been alone though treestar Jun 2014 #346

in many perts of the world 10 year olds work full time jobs. Kali Jun 2014 #361

That is bad but here each US state will have a treestar Jun 2014 #482

I don't think what you did was helpful to this family cali Jun 2014 #43

well, first your assumptions are bassakwards, but mopinko Jun 2014 #498

as a home health aid she may not have a lot of choice about working graveyard magical thyme Jun 2014 #47

its the no hot water for bathing. and yes, they are in the middle of my job. mopinko Jun 2014 #269

Small children don't need a lot of hot water--she can heat some up on the stove and add it to a bath MADem Jun 2014 #509

I don't see how this helped in the long run.... seems like it'll hurt more than anything uponit7771 Jun 2014 #50

Just added a little misery to the world phil89 Jun 2014 #52

There are other sources to call besides the police dem in texas Jun 2014 #59

+1000. nt. polly7 Jun 2014 #65

no, i dont want her to move out. mopinko Jun 2014 #401

You did the right thing. JVS Jun 2014 #62

The OP is the property owner. The OP essentially shut off the utilities by not giving a break on WinkyDink Jun 2014 #193

oh ffs. mopinko Jun 2014 #290

Why not give her a break on rent so she can pay a sitter until things pick up? arcane1 Jun 2014 #66

Why are you stalking your tenant? LeftyMom Jun 2014 #68

Very creepy. n/t tammywammy Jun 2014 #80

and complaining that the shades are down CreekDog Jun 2014 #93

I have to agree with the others that you probably made things worse. How old is the other child? PeaceNikki Jun 2014 #69

The OP is refusing to answer that question CreekDog Jun 2014 #74

The OP seems to have vanished altogether. morningfog Jun 2014 #213

10 years old - answered many times. 840high Jun 2014 #368

Kicking this Tree-Hugger Jun 2014 #70

So I am going to assume the other child is between 9-13. dilby Jun 2014 #73

10 yrs old 840high Jun 2014 #369

Post removed Post removed Jun 2014 #75

this. nt La Lioness Priyanka Jun 2014 #79

+1 nt NCTraveler Jun 2014 #84

Hey, you! PeaceNikki Jun 2014 #86

HOWDY!!! Shakespeare Jun 2014 #88

you and CreekDog have been very eloquent here... ProdigalJunkMail Jun 2014 #96

+1 Rhinodawg Jun 2014 #97

The OP is incredible to say the least yeoman6987 Jun 2014 #112

This. Chellee Jun 2014 #118

I definitely would've tried to work it out with her first before calling authorities. Lex Jun 2014 #76

Where are the kids' fathers? Are they contributing any money to the family? raccoon Jun 2014 #78

The OP is the landlord, not a social worker. The only time any of that was their business LeftyMom Jun 2014 #81

I'm sure HUD would be interested in this creepy landlord - myrna minx Jun 2014 #481

As only you have first hand knowledge of the situation, I can't say if you did right or not Kaleva Jun 2014 #82

Whatever woes we think we have, single moms have it a 1000 times worse... countryjake Jun 2014 #85

i was a single mom for 10 years. mopinko Jun 2014 #286

I am going to say this different from all of y'all d_r Jun 2014 #94

actually, the cops and the system fail the poor terribly. so we have to be careful when we involve La Lioness Priyanka Jun 2014 #99

we can't. d_r Jun 2014 #105

yes, we can. we can say "am i just being judgmental because i dont like that the mother doesn't La Lioness Priyanka Jun 2014 #115

well I think that d_r Jun 2014 #117

abuse or neglect aren't that subjective. if you gather 10 people together, you should get 80% La Lioness Priyanka Jun 2014 #125

If you do d_r Jun 2014 #149

no, i would rather not stigmatize poverty and pretend that the alternative for these kids is awesome La Lioness Priyanka Jun 2014 #157

Yes, but there is a difference d_r Jun 2014 #160

yes, which means you need to use some level of judgment. La Lioness Priyanka Jun 2014 #167

If someone reads d_r Jun 2014 #322

You're assuming that the police and social services never make the situation worse. pnwmom Jun 2014 #285

actually, i know police and social services here. mopinko Jun 2014 #318

So would I. 840high Jun 2014 #382

You should do SOMETHING but that something doesn't necessarily require pnwmom Jun 2014 #281

my concern is d_r Jun 2014 #321

ftr, i worked my little tail off to elect a better "system" mopinko Jun 2014 #367

+1 woo me with science Jun 2014 #158

Yes, this. CreekDog Jun 2014 #254

the op has NOT presented anything close to convincing me that the mother is neglectful cali Jun 2014 #101

again d_r Jun 2014 #107

sorry, I worked in social services for years cali Jun 2014 #120

I agree d_r Jun 2014 #131

I agree, in one of her responses in this thread she stated that she had yet to see arthritisR_US Jun 2014 #515

She called the cops not once but twice BainsBane Jun 2014 #127

If we have a STRONG suspicion, sure. We call the state child welfare agency. Gormy Cuss Jun 2014 #104

Not a "strong" suspicion d_r Jun 2014 #109

Here, let me repeat myself since you replied while I was editing. Gormy Cuss Jun 2014 #113

in my state d_r Jun 2014 #116

There is no moral obligation to drop a dime based on a small suspicion Gormy Cuss Jun 2014 #121

it is not up to each citizen d_r Jun 2014 #130

..."wound, injury,disability, physical or mental condition..."=standard not met here. Gormy Cuss Jun 2014 #132

you are reading it in the most conservative way d_r Jun 2014 #140

No, I 'm not the one reading it too conservatively. Gormy Cuss Jun 2014 #159

honestly, I am trying not d_r Jun 2014 #163

Could you please just STOP boston bean Jun 2014 #133

Again d_r Jun 2014 #145

Then leave it alone. People here are discussing this in terms of this OP. boston bean Jun 2014 #147

I'm not making up a scenario d_r Jun 2014 #150

What happened here, obviously happens and is NOT in the best interests of the child. boston bean Jun 2014 #151

as i have explained elsewhere, yes it is a personal thing. mopinko Jun 2014 #478

You don't call the cops and DCFS for personal reasons. nt boston bean Jun 2014 #487

bad idea cali Jun 2014 #123

I disagree that it is a bad idea d_r Jun 2014 #134

calling cops and DCFS based on personal grievances, is ALWAYS wrong and not in the childs boston bean Jun 2014 #135

It's also traumatic for the child Gormy Cuss Jun 2014 #137

I agree 100%. boston bean Jun 2014 #146

I'm sorry to hit that trigger for you d_r Jun 2014 #152

+1 redqueen Jun 2014 #166

Boston Bean d_r Jun 2014 #142

Mere suspicion isn't enough. We don't all need to be Gladys Kravitts. pnwmom Jun 2014 #279

there was nothing to even indicate why there would be suspicious of Abuse JI7 Jun 2014 #323

+1 I mean how long are we to let her leave them alone treestar Jun 2014 #344

till something happens apparently. mopinko Jun 2014 #374

I'd rather help than call the pigs TransitJohn Jun 2014 #424

+10^6 n/t lumberjack_jeff Jun 2014 #504

So you tried to help this working Mom by calling the cops on her. Why not cut her rent, landlord? TeamPooka Jun 2014 #95

I hope she can afford to move away without you keeping her deposit. Sunlei Jun 2014 #100

Can't even imagine what it's like to raise two small children alone LittleBlue Jun 2014 #106

Many others have said what I'd like to. So I'll just add that, as a working class single mom, redqueen Jun 2014 #111

No joke. n/t Gormy Cuss Jun 2014 #114

+1000 cali Jun 2014 #124

For you Capt. Obvious Jun 2014 #122

plus, she is just not a good mom. i try to get her to let the little one hang out with me, and she j CBGLuthier Jun 2014 #126

Some parents have an irrational dislike of leaving their kids alone with adults they don't know well arcane1 Jun 2014 #138

The minute I read this my blood pressure went through the roof. boston bean Jun 2014 #128

I don't always agree with boston bean, Codeine Jun 2014 #154

glad to agree on this! boston bean Jun 2014 #343

Absolutely Dorian Gray Jun 2014 #164

+1 joshcryer Jun 2014 #241

Is this your idea of "It takes a village"? Generic Other Jun 2014 #136

You did the right thing. Nt Boom Sound 416 Jun 2014 #143

Not even close. nt Lex Jun 2014 #192

I hope this is fake because this is the most disturbing and shameful thing I've read today kcr Jun 2014 #144

I keep coming back to this and thinking, this must be some kind of epic trolling. Because WTF? Brickbat Jun 2014 #161

My mother was in this situation with me as a child, 30 years ago. It's not ideal, but I cannot even AzDar Jun 2014 #148

Wake me if Mopinko ever shows back up B2G Jun 2014 #155

I would be legally obligated to call CPS Nevernose Jun 2014 #162

He's not alone, he's with his brother B2G Jun 2014 #168

If the brother was old enough to be watching him Nevernose Jun 2014 #177

And if he wasn't B2G Jun 2014 #179

all night, every night. without even a phone. mopinko Jun 2014 #371

How do you know they are alone every night? BainsBane Jun 2014 #425

no, she works the graveyard too. she is the one who came to me mopinko Jun 2014 #497

I hope you take greater care in making that decision than you did here kcr Jun 2014 #169

I would have called CPS MUCH sooner Nevernose Jun 2014 #183

"temporary custody"? Therein lies the issue. AND you missed the 5 yr old was NOT alone. uppityperson Jun 2014 #184

If a child is being neglected, of course kcr Jun 2014 #189

"Could get on her feet and get responsible" BainsBane Jun 2014 #248

I know people who have called CPS on someone just to get them in trouble. panader0 Jun 2014 #332

yes, I call this trailer trash revenge 2pooped2pop Jun 2014 #535

Mandated reporter? moriah Jun 2014 #397

I'm a teacher, a CASA, a foster parent and Nevernose Jun 2014 #415

Please leave the family alone. ZombieHorde Jun 2014 #165

This is a difficult situation, but I have to say Blue_In_AK Jun 2014 #170

Arrested for stalking? nt. NCTraveler Jun 2014 #172

Why not help her out rather call the cops? Rhinodawg Jun 2014 #175

That was my mom. liberalmuse Jun 2014 #181

Your tenant sounds like the woman that recently died in jail over debts. tenderfoot Jun 2014 #182

your problem is you are far too involved and way to close to a situation that you cannot control. Wash. state Desk Jet Jun 2014 #185

+1! BuelahWitch Jun 2014 #190

So the 5-year-old is "the little one" - how old is the older one? gollygee Jun 2014 #188

it has been asked and ignored by mopinko... n/t ProdigalJunkMail Jun 2014 #197

Hey look at me, the great concerned person I am... coyote Jun 2014 #191

my my my. ok, i did not hit and run, i had to get some sleep. mopinko Jun 2014 #194

How does not taking your help amount to being a bad mother? BainsBane Jun 2014 #195

How old is the other kid there? uppityperson Jun 2014 #196

they are 5 & 10 mopinko Jun 2014 #200

So the 5 year old is home with the 10 yr old while the mom sleeps? uppityperson Jun 2014 #204

Yeah, something here don't pass the smell test imo. Rex Jun 2014 #227

I'd like to know how she knows what's on the TV if the blinds are closed. LeftyMom Jun 2014 #354

no, they are alone all night. mopinko Jun 2014 #242

You are upset that a mom won't send her child to preschool? or borrow your books? uppityperson Jun 2014 #244

I babysat for the neighbor kids when I was 10 BainsBane Jun 2014 #211

the more I think about the op, the more disturbed I am by it cali Jun 2014 #198

. Brickbat Jun 2014 #209

I'm having a hard time believing the veracity of the OP. Rex Jun 2014 #217

That was the first thing I saw--"narced" panader0 Jun 2014 #336

now I HAVE TRIED TO HELP THIS WOMAN. REPEATEDLY. mopinko Jun 2014 #199

This message was self-deleted by its author uppityperson Jun 2014 #201

ANSWER THE QUESTION: How old is the older boy? cali Jun 2014 #205

5 and 10 and indeed, there was not "zero chance". uppityperson Jun 2014 #210

thanks. cali Jun 2014 #215

no, i am telling you. i checked it out before hand, and confirmed it with the cops. mopinko Jun 2014 #463

OK...Did the cops investigate?...is there a case worker ? Rhinodawg Jun 2014 #212

It's June BainsBane Jun 2014 #218

and why use the extreme measure of calling the cops? cali Jun 2014 #220

it was cold. it has been cold here. mopinko Jun 2014 #240

You seem to be contradicting yourself now, either she doesn't allow her son to be around Rex Jun 2014 #256

Please tell us then exactly what Sissyk Jun 2014 #258

As landlord, what is your obligation to make sure they had heat? uppityperson Jun 2014 #263

It seems like you're mainly upset gollygee Jun 2014 #266

how do you know the boy loves you if she doesn't let him around you ? JI7 Jun 2014 #300

I am "going with" your intentions were good and that you genuinely care etherealtruth Jun 2014 #238

well you put a little light on the subject, Wash. state Desk Jet Jun 2014 #245

i am sure that people thought there would be ZERO ZERO ZERO ZERO ProdigalJunkMail Jun 2014 #251

She is not obligated to accept your help in order to be a 'good mother' laundry_queen Jun 2014 #268

+++++++++++++++ uppityperson Jun 2014 #276

Message auto-removed Name removed Jun 2014 #519

I have yet to see this months rent. 2pooped2pop Jun 2014 #275

She's trying to keep him away from you because you creep her out. She needs the rent money to move, LeftyMom Jun 2014 #295

" i try to get her to let the little one hang out with me, and she just wont let him. " RetroLounge Jun 2014 #206

really absurd, man, really absurd. mopinko Jun 2014 #247

I bet she does call you mother 2pooped2pop Jun 2014 #262

She calls you 'mother', yet won't let you watch her child? B2G Jun 2014 #284

When I volunteered with street kids, many of them were "veterans" of foster care Lydia Leftcoast Jun 2014 #228

no, i dont have a choice. mopinko Jun 2014 #373

There is nothing wrong with your expecting rent from her or any tenant. BainsBane Jun 2014 #426

I hope they will be able to get away from you very soon. Skeeter Barnes Jun 2014 #246

This pile-on is extremely ugly pintobean Jun 2014 #264

A lot of people strongly disagree and that makes Du suck? uppityperson Jun 2014 #273

Standard reply from that one, like grass is green etc.. Rex Jun 2014 #278

I have no problem with the disagreement. pintobean Jun 2014 #299

Yeah! Why are people uncivil to the lady that called the cops on a poor, single mom? CreekDog Jun 2014 #331

Message auto-removed Name removed Jun 2014 #521

You should probably read the OP, before giving your standard reply. nt. Rex Jun 2014 #274

on the wrong side as usual CreekDog Jun 2014 #277

It's not a pile on. The OP asked for this by posting this thread Cal Carpenter Jun 2014 #303

if you do something douchey and then post on DU, people will call you out on it La Lioness Priyanka Jun 2014 #311

It's not a pile on. When you read the OP and then Autumn Jun 2014 #450

you seem resentful that she wont allow her kids to hang out with you JI7 Jun 2014 #287

and that the kids don't go to the school she thinks they should BainsBane Jun 2014 #291

OP says she is a month behind in the rent. boston bean Jun 2014 #293

i saw that and it seems like that may be a big part of it JI7 Jun 2014 #305

the mother leaves them alone all night at least 3-4 nights. mopinko Jun 2014 #312

you seem to be coming to the conclusion that she is poor CreekDog Jun 2014 #320

so why don't you help by paying her Gas Bill ? JI7 Jun 2014 #326

Not damned if you do, damned if you don't BainsBane Jun 2014 #350

In the garden with you at night time when she is working? snooper2 Jun 2014 #390

She thinks the kid should be with her BainsBane Jun 2014 #422

if you look up thread in one of the first replies JI7 Jun 2014 #427

The older child is ten?!? That's old enough to watch a sibling. Mind your own business. LeftyMom Jun 2014 #288

Depends on state law treestar Jun 2014 #347

That's not a legal minimum, it's the age under which DCFS will even take a complaint. LeftyMom Jun 2014 #352

In South Carolina, 12 and under cannot be left alone overnight. Kaleva Jun 2014 #356

OK thanks for that treestar Jun 2014 #483

how much is her Rent ? JI7 Jun 2014 #306

cheap for the space and mopinko Jun 2014 #384

You showed in your OP that you're not a good judge of whether the children are alone or not. pnwmom Jun 2014 #307

In Florida, it used to be that things had to be really horrible for kids to be removed steve2470 Jun 2014 #319

Here where I live, an 8 year old girl found her mom od'd on the floor Kaleva Jun 2014 #325

That is in line with my experience steve2470 Jun 2014 #328

Agree, there is too much assumption that Child Protective Services treestar Jun 2014 #348

CPS can do a lot of good if people work with them steve2470 Jun 2014 #349

Yes, maybe they can help the mother find options treestar Jun 2014 #490

You have a lot more confidence in your observations than is warranted CreekDog Jun 2014 #324

Are you interested in taking custody of one or both kids? LexVegas Jun 2014 #330

seems like it's just the 5 year old she wants to hang out with JI7 Jun 2014 #337

Tough call, mo elehhhhna Jun 2014 #339

what man? Mo is a a woman. 840high Jun 2014 #377

I'm glad you weren't my landlord Jamastiene Jun 2014 #340

Less pinko. GeorgeGist Jun 2014 #353

Well said! bettyellen Jun 2014 #387

whu? Puzzledtraveller Jun 2014 #357

Is this a Free Republic joke? U4ikLefty Jun 2014 #364

I'm not sure how quickly boys mature but ecstatic Jun 2014 #366

the 10yo, i would be fine. mopinko Jun 2014 #388

But at night the 10 year old was there with the younger boy. pnwmom Jun 2014 #408

When I was 10, I watched my 4 year old sister all the time... Humanist_Activist Jun 2014 #412

i can't believe how you can be so clueless , are you even reading the responses ? JI7 Jun 2014 #413

This is by far the creepiest and wrong post I have seen in a long time Whoa_Nelly Jun 2014 #385

+1 Ptah Jun 2014 #414

Please, do everyone a favor and back off. TDale313 Jun 2014 #392

What is your goal here? To make the mother unemployed? At least then she will be around her... Humanist_Activist Jun 2014 #409

first of all, this 2 flat is the mainstay of my retirement mopinko Jun 2014 #441

The Landlord betsuni Jun 2014 #411

+1 bravenak Jun 2014 #520

It sounds like something out of a horror movie. Jamastiene Jun 2014 #530

Wow, that's pretty fucked up behavior TransitJohn Jun 2014 #423

Dear OP, if you wanted to help why didn't you pay for her Gas Bill ? JI7 Jun 2014 #429

Again, I want to know how you know what goes on in that house when the shades are drawn? LeftyMom Jun 2014 #430

There's few things in life I detest more than a nosy landlord. LAGC Jun 2014 #436

Mopinko, I'm so sorry for you getting all this judgmental flack Hekate Jun 2014 #431

Is this you OP? ForgoTheConsequence Jun 2014 #432

I'm getting one of my sick headaches... betsuni Jun 2014 #433

pretty much, yeah. mopinko Jun 2014 #492

A difficult situation davidpdx Jun 2014 #435

Think of the kids safety is priority #1 Omaha Steve Jun 2014 #437

you edited the OP and thanks you bolded what was edited and mentioned your 'pocket farm' Sunlei Jun 2014 #439

i am very careful who is around my animals. mopinko Jun 2014 #460

Was she black? dilby Jun 2014 #444

Those poor kids having to live with the fear of being taken away from their mother! boston bean Jun 2014 #446

That's what this is about. Skeeter Barnes Jun 2014 #457

nope, i could evict her outright. mopinko Jun 2014 #491

She gonna stay there now with you doing this to her? boston bean Jun 2014 #495

are you calling me a racist? mopinko Jun 2014 #471

well, are they black? n/t 2pooped2pop Jun 2014 #474

Post removed Post removed Jun 2014 #496

They are black...from Nigeria B2G Jun 2014 #516

How utterly horrible. frustrated_lefty Jun 2014 #448

Since this is now on record with child services can your property now be Autumn Jun 2014 #452

I'll try to moderate my response to you. 99Forever Jun 2014 #458

You are receiving a lot of flack Harmony Blue Jun 2014 #459

ty. wish i could say i was shocked, mopinko Jun 2014 #472

You did the right thing for the kids. That's all that matters. n/t lumberjack_jeff Jun 2014 #461

The Rise of Chicago's 99% Against Rahm Emanuel, "Mayor 1%" Zorra Jun 2014 #466

There are many sad consequences of not having a living wage. When I say many stevenleser Jun 2014 #485

It is absurd, and disgusting, that in 2014 America, mopinko should be faced with a conundrum Zorra Jun 2014 #489

I wish there was someone like you around when I was a kid. Kingofalldems Jun 2014 #488

These kids aren't alone B2G Jun 2014 #505

Indeed. How dare she draw the shades! alphafemale Jun 2014 #511

And we don't know that the roomate really moved out BuelahWitch Jun 2014 #531

I can't believe the level of vitriol in this thread LadyHawkAZ Jun 2014 #507

I'm not going to pile on here. flvegan Jun 2014 #510

How do you know he's not? B2G Jun 2014 #512

You should re-read my response. flvegan Jun 2014 #523

We don't know that he's not. The OP isn't exactly proving to be a reliable source of information. LeftyMom Jun 2014 #513

Note: "more...if possible...appropriate" flvegan Jun 2014 #524

I know. LeftyMom Jun 2014 #525

Message auto-removed Name removed Jun 2014 #518

Mo, You And I Have Been Pals Here For a Long Time, But... ProfessorGAC Jun 2014 #522

Is this a plan to force this family out so you can move your husband into the unit? LeftyMom Jun 2014 #527

Very interesting, the plot thickens betsuni Jun 2014 #528

Thats damning. LexVegas Jun 2014 #529

FFS demmiblue Jun 2014 #532

Holy shit. Jamastiene Jun 2014 #533

I hope everyone tut tutting those who thought the OP was getting unfairly smeared sees this kcr Jun 2014 #537