General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: This message was self-deleted by its author [View all]laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)Let me say that again: She is not obligated to accept your help
It seems like you are positively insulted that she just won't accept your 'help'. And I put 'help' in scare quotes because it sounds like the only help you have offered is to watch her kid. What else have you done? How is letting her know you would keep a close eye on the place 'helping'?
Also, I was a 'latchkey' kid and I loved it, starting at age 8. I was babysitting my 6 year old brother afterschool by age 10. We both preferred it to a babysitter's house. I can't even imagine if someone would've called the cops on my parents.
Having a nap while your child plays quietly is not neglectful (every mom I know should have their kids taken away then. My parents napped every Saturday afternoon when I was really little - like 3 or 4 till I was a teen). Cooking with a microwave does not make her neglectful or a bad mom. Sounds like you are grasping at straws here to try to build your case for calling the cops.
Maybe...just maybe...she gets a 'bad vibe' from you. After you calling the cops, she wouldn't even be wrong about that.
Even if you mean well, you are causing far more harm here than good, IMO.
If you REALLY want to help her, you will pay her utility bill or waive her rent for a month. Or you will search out agencies to help her and send them her way without letting her know that it was you. Anything less than that is meddling, plain and simple.