As a parent, what would you do in this situation?

Question

I am divorced and have joint custody with my children's father. My 8-year-old daughter has just recently told me that her daddy "throws things" at her and her 10-year-old brother (like the remote and the cordless phone) and that he has punched her in her arm and her leg before. What would you take as a first step?

(I know she is telling the truth - that's not an issue. He was like that when I was married to him, I just didn't realize he was being like that with the kids.)

Also - to add a little more detail. Their father is disabled. He has muscular dystrophy, which affects his legs and ability to "catch" the kids if they try to get away from him when they are in trouble, which explains why he feels it necessary to throw things at them. I'm not condoning this in any way, just trying to better explain the situation.

Answer 1

You need to speak with the cops and social services.  Your children's safety is number one and they should not have to be around someone who abuses them.  You need to go to family court again and talk with a judge about getting sole custody of the kids.

Answer 2

Oh he has muscular dystrophy....he "has" to throw things at the kids when they try to get away from him. That made me laugh out loud and almost spit my coffee onto the computer screen. Do you know how ridiculous that sounds? Regardless, I don't care if he's wheelchair bound....he has no right to abuse the kids that way. If I were you, there'd be no more visits with dear old daddy and he'd find his disabled behind in court. After all, if he can't discipline them properly, how can he care for them properly? First step : keep the kids out of that situation. Talk to a lawyer and rewrite the visitation agreement. This is a no-brainer really.  

Answer 3

Get in touch with your local Social Services and ask for advice from them.

Answer 4

Protect your children always woman!!!!r u nutz?

Answer 5

Notify children and youth services,have his visitation taken away.