For those of you who have experienced abuse

[Momily]

I have a Junior Kindergartener who I work with who regularly tells me stories of what I consider child abuse. I've called CPS several times, other people have called as well, and after they investigate they never do something. Part of the issue is that when she talks to them she changes her story and there are no marks on her (the legal definition of abuse in my state).

I will continue to call CPS every time she tells me a new story. I also will never report any misbehavior to her parents no matter how extreme. Finally, every time this comes up I will reaffirm to her that what's happening is not OK, that she doesn't deserve it, and that I'm sorry that it's happening to her.

Beyond that, and short of kidnapping her, what can I do? I feel awful for this little girl.

[sprinkle pocket]

i think what you're doing is awesome. the only thing i can think of is to ask cps or the school counselor what else they think you can do. it sounds like a heart-breaking situation.

[Fuamami]

OK, I have to ask, having a five year old myself, are you sure she's telling the truth? It seems like CPS might have turned up something by this point otherwise. My dd is growing out of this, but she went through a phase where she was making up terrible stories about dh and me, my sister, MIL, everybody. Things I knew weren't true. Once, when my sister watched her, she told me she wouldn't feed her, she abandoned her in the park, she locked her out in the yard, and she spanked her. All, not true. And her story changed when her daddy came home and she told him.

[theretohere]

Originally Posted by natensarah

OK, I have to ask, having a five year old myself, are you sure she's telling the truth? It seems like CPS might have turned up something by this point otherwise. My dd is growing out of this, but she went through a phase where she was making up terrible stories about dh and me, my sister, MIL, everybody. Things I knew weren't true. Once, when my sister watched her, she told me she wouldn't feed her, she abandoned her in the park, she locked her out in the yard, and she spanked her. All, not true. And her story changed when her daddy came home and she told him.

I would look into this as well- my DD has told some interesting tales about things that I know haven't happened.

[pigpokey]

Originally Posted by theretohere

I would look into this as well- my DD has told some interesting tales about things that I know haven't happened.

Ditto -- mine told some whoppers about people hitting her as a young 4.

[rabbitmum]

I think it's fairly usual for kids to make up stories about dramatic things happening to them. It's still a good thing that you check it out, though!

Maybe it would be a good idea if you had a talk with the parents to try to get some idea about their views on discipline etc.? Without telling them what she has said? If what the girl is telling you isn't true, then it's unfortunate if it's getting in the way of your having a normal communication with her parents.

[Momily]

I'm pretty confident that there's a lot of truth in what she says. I don't want to post the details, but between interactions that I've seen between him and parents, and the level of this child's terror EVERY time the subject of talking with parents comes up, and things I know about from other sources, I don't have much doubt.

I know little kids lie, but I really really don't think this is a case of that.