I would talk to the mother first and tell her that you were worried about Ned’s safety and what if he got hurt during the day while playing…How would you know who to contact? At that point, you would have to call the police.

There was a park Julia and I used to frequent near our old house that had two permanent visitors there - two little girls, ages 4 and 6. They were there every day, all day. Their house was a few blocks away - not far, but not close enough to realistically believe they were being watched by anyone that was there. They were lovely girls, but clearly were not being cared for the way children should. Their hair didn’t look washed, there was dirt caked under their fingernails and their teeth needed a good brushing. They were usually wearing the same clothes we’d seen them in days before, whether they were appropriate for the weather or not. I agonized over what I should do about those kids. Do I call the police when the sun’s going down, I’m leaving the park and they’re still there with no one to watch them? Do I call CPS? Ultimately, I did nothing. I talked to them, allowed Julia to play with them (many mothers kept their children away), and shared our snacks, but I never called anyone or said anything. I regret that.

Turns out his parents were meth addicts, so his Grandma has stepped in. He has a 3,2,and 1 year old siblings too. Their lives are hard; he has diabetes. Here I was, giving him meals last summer and I had no idea about his health.

So, I pray she will do a better job, being embarrassed and all. I don’t regret seeing the counselor and getting involved. Neglected kids are so vulnerable. They need us watchful moms.