Re: HELP!! nightmare with sister-in-law

I realize that this was posted a number of months ago and the replies and responses are equally dated.

The mother's behavior is typical: if it's "over-the-counter," it HAS to be safe. Not only is it NOT safe to ingest OTC medication, it can become absolutely addictive. The childrens' own natural ability to cope with allergies, fever, etc., is destroyed by forcing these OTC medications to do something that they were not particularly designed for.

Moreover, it is, without a doubt, child abuse and Social Services most definitely WILL do something about it, depending upon the State that the children are in. All reports to Social Services remain anonymous, though you may want to give accurate (emotionless) details of the mother's behavior. You may also want to tell the Case Worker that you are willing to care for the children while the mother is seeking treatment for whatever is ailing her. Depression is often a mistaken diagnosis - the "depression" might be associated with Bipolar Disorder, victim of domestic violence/abuse, and a host of other identifiable conditions.

For the sakes of the children, I would strongly urge you to contact Social Services, ASAP, and be prepared for denial, blame, rage, etc. You see, adults can choose whether they wish to poison themselves to death - they are of legal age. Children, however, are not afforded choices as to whom their parents will be or how they will be treated.

BEST of luck to you and those poor kids.