WWYD: Kids, sunburn, and divorced parents

[snicklefritz]

I would absolutely get someone else involved in this. She is an innocent 7 year old child - period. It makes me so mad that people brush this off like it's no big deal.

[tntmich]

I maybe dated with my information but doesn't a child usually have some sort of advocate appointed to them through a divorce? Could this advocate be made aware of this or could one be hired for her?

[Golfer Girl]

If she came home with broken bones 3 times nobody would think twice of taking him to court. This really is no different. Or if she came home with burns on her hands because she touched a hot stove. Just because it came from the sun doesn't make it any less severe. Sunburns aren't good for you at any age, but a 7 years could have severe problems down the road. I would think this boarders on endangering the welfare of a child or something like that. I don't even have kids and I wouldn't stand for this.

Of course the other thing she needs to do is teach the child to remind her dad to reapply the sunscreen.

[mommyx2]

Originally Posted by Golfer Girl

I
Of course the other thing she needs to do is teach the child to remind her dad to reapply the sunscreen.

This is a special needs child. I am not sure at what level she is and she may be functioning at a level to remember the sunscreen herself yet.

I think to me that is the biggest concern.. not knowing her functioning level, she may or may not be aware of the time that has passed since the lotion was applied or aware of the future consequences.. just the here and how it hurts.

[van]

What worries me is she got these burns now? In March/April. Wth will happen in July?

[MickieD]

Child abuse charges have been filled before. Google it. Her is o knee example:

http://www.parentdish.com/2008/06/15...-in-hot-water/

From what I see the charges apply against the very young or impaired. So that is an option. The Dad is a jell. May need substance intervention from the sound of it.

[laughingmommy]

I suppose she has every right to report it to CPS, but I personally don't think that would be the best thing for the child. I think it would cause more friction between the two adults and child. What really would the court do? If she still wants to keep things civil, maybe try programming his phone when he comes to pick up their child to go off every two to three hours so that he can remember to apply the sunscreen. I know my husband has never been the one to apply sunscreen to our children, so maybe they just need to get into the habit of it. Then if this doesn't work I would call CPS.

[PugLover]

Originally Posted by laughingmommy

I suppose she has every right to report it to CPS, but I personally don't think that would be the best thing for the child. I think it would cause more friction between the two adults and child. What really would the court do? If she still wants to keep things civil, maybe try programming his phone when he comes to pick up their child to go off every two to three hours so that he can remember to apply the sunscreen. I know my husband has never been the one to apply sunscreen to our children, so maybe they just need to get into the habit of it. Then if this doesn't work I would call CPS.

The best thing for the child is to stop it now!

Must have been Dad's weekend and he wanted to go to the concert so he had to haul the kids along.

99% of the time it is all about fulfilling Dad's needs....doesn't think about the kids.

Go after him!

[FriscoRes]

The problem is, the dad doesn't think it is a problem. Setting the cell phone or teaching the child to remind him isn't going to help because dad doesn't seem concerned about this. Maybe teach the child to wear a hat or only send her to dad's with clothes that cover better.

How someone can allow this to happen to his own child is impossible for me to understand.

I had 3 major sunburns in my life and I vividly remember each of them - they are so awful!!

If any positive progress is made in this case, please let us know, I feel so sad for this little girl.

[Golfer Girl]

Maybe you could share this with him

Death by Suntan