11 year old mom?....

Question

My aunt has 3 children, ages 11, 7, and 6 months(all girls). My cousin and her husband work 5am to about 7 or 8pm. and they leave the 11 year old in charge of everything. a couple times a week my aunt takes the baby to work though. I think it's completely wrong what she's doing, I know they can afford daycare, but they think the 11 year old can handle her sisters for more than 12 hours a day. I'd really like to call the police on them, she had me babysit them a couple summers ago and at the end refused to pay me the money she promised. I just want to get her back and this sounds like a great idea haha. It's not like I'm lying about it. she is going against the law, because don't you have to be 13 to even stay home alone?

If I called the police, what could happen to them? I don't want her kids be taken away, I just want them in a daycare(what everyone tells to do).

also do I have to give them my name? I don't want my cousin finding out it's me. even if the police do say they wont tell

Answer 1

Even if you call, she may not get into trouble.  A lot of it depends on the maturity of the child and if the 11 yr old has been doing it for some time now, nothing will probably happen.  I was 12 when my mom (who was newly divorced) left me to care for my brother and sister and I was cooking, cleaning, doing laundry.  No matter how much money they owe you - this is not a good retaliation AND daycares typically close by 6:30pm, so even if they can afford it it wouldn't help them if they are working until 7pm or 8pm.  Just let it go, trust me when you have your own children you will think differently.

Answer 2

Are you kidding me?! Calling child services on your aunt because of not being paid! Of course what she's doing is wrong, but what your doing is just as bad. Why hold a grudge? Talk to your aunt about it.

edit:

If you call there's no doubt in my mind that her kids will be taken away.

Answer 3

It wasn't that long ago that children were expected to help with younger siblings.  If you are so bothered call and check in or stop by to help.  You cannot possibly know their true financial situation, you merely assume they can afford daycare.  Perhaps they are saving every penny to put an 11 year old with an excellent work ethic through college.

Answer 4

Well first of all, you are playing with fire. There is a very good chance they could get their children taken away and for what reason because they owed you fifty bucks or whatever. That is very sad that you seek that kind of revenge. I think you need to get over your revenge. Money is NOT everything.

However, I do not think it is right that they leave the 11 year old in charge of the other kids. Each state is different but yes there is a minimum age that a child can stay home. I think if you are really concerned about it I would talk to your parents and see what they say. And if you really feel the children are in danger then yes I would talk to a division of family services person and explain the situation. You can do this anonymously over the phone like from a payphone, but they may not take your complaint seriously. But I would certainly not do this for revenge, only do it because you are seriously concerned for these children.

Answer 5

that's a terrible thing to do to someone just because they didn't pay you...messing with someone's life and chilren is nothing to be frivolous about!shame on you!

i don't think you shuold....most kids start babysitting at that age...my  mom was single and me and my brother stayed home alone together at nine and ten...we turned out just fine...we cleaned the house after ourselves and everything...as long as the mother loves them, and provides a nurturing, clean environment,with food, clothing, and shelter, i see no reason to be soo two faced..

she probably leaves phone numbers to call in case of an emergency..

i doubt her kids would get taken away...she's be told to get a babysitter or daycare and that's it...i doubt they would fine her..it all depends on the state you live in..

Answer 6

well i know when i was 11 i was forced into babysitting all the time for my little sister and brother,  but my sister was like 3 and my brother was a new born. well you can always call children protective services, and just ask questions about what happens if you did call. you don't have to give them any information unless you want too. and if you call CPS, you don't even have to tell them what is happening, just inquire what they would do if that was the situation. My nieghbor left her children home alone 6 and 7 yrs. old, and the school called CPS on her, they just forced her to put them in daycare, and gave her a warning. but becareful with this.