Mommy Soldier....Home Alone at 18THS!

[mckinzy]

Mommy Soldier Reporting for Duty....

OK, This has nothing to do with being a soldier really but everything to do with balancing motherhood. Though I am not a single mother I try to relate to every situation a mother is in as much as I can. The story I am about to share with you comes from my Brother-in-law as he was dating the lady mentioned. After hearing the details I would like you to give suggestions and comments on what my actions should be and also what my brother-in law should do.

There is a young lady (21yrs) that just broke up with my brother-in-law who has one child. My brother- in law did not work but watched the young ladies son daily while she attended college. They all lived in an apartment paid for my the young ladies parents fairly close to the college she attends. Anyway, they broke up and my bother in law wanted to explain why he didnt feel comfortable leaving the apartment. He explained that he wanted to stay in the apartment regardless of the state of the relationship in order to continue to watch the son (18mths). He went on to say that the young lady didn't have family or child care so she was forced to leave the son in the apartment ALONE to attend her 1st class. It was explained that the young lady gets up and heads to class leaving the son for approx 1-2 hrs, until she returns. She then packs him around with her for the rest of her classes. Of course I asked why she was leaving him in the apartment for the 1st class and it was stated that the young lady wanted him to finish sleeping and when she returned from that 1st class he would be just waking up. Now my brother-in-law is a sweetie and loves kids so he wants to stay in the college town just to help her out with this situation.

Here is my question...As a single mother with no support near by, should you leave an 18mth home alone to take care of anything?

Also, would I be out of line to report this to DFS?

Should my brother-in-law move back in to support her or go his way?

And last...isn't everyone who knows this is going on just as responsible for the 18mth old safety?

All comments are welcomed. I am a 1st time mom and not single so I need help understanding this balancing act and know what is ok to do under difficult circumstances...

Carry on Soldier.

[Sruiz05]

Feb. 17, 2010 at 12:12 PM

I am a single mother, but of course mine is 16 yrs old.  Regardless as to whether or not the child is asleep or awake it is wrong.  Many things could happen to the child.  You or your brother-in-law should call CPS yes.

I don't feel he should stay to support "her", but I do think it is nice of him to offer to help her with at least childcare when she needs it.