Crazy Neighbors

[Bad Writer]

I think the answer is clear here. Make the call.

[Something completely different]

What?! Why?! How long has this been going on without anyone taking notice and contacting authorities about it?

[rexbeccarox]

Really? Some of you want me to talk to her about it? Or the kids? I mean, like I said in the OP, it's not like the mom has ever talked to me except to try to sell me something. I'm sure it will be really well received when her next-door neighbor, whose name she doesn't even know, approaches her with the abuse of her children. No danger there to me or my roommate, right? /sarcasm

I really don't want to call social services (I will if I have to), but confronting the mother is absolutely out of the question. What happens if everything is fine right after I talk to her, and then I hear that stuff again and I am forced to call CPS at that time? She'll know it was me who called. If I do it now, she'll think it could be any of our neighbors.

Wait... maybe I should talk to another neighbor first?

[pocaracas]

OK, I don't know what I'm talking about, so disregard it if you think it's nonsense.

Call the cops, screw CPS. You have all the right to have some peace and quiet in your home. They are taking it away, so call the cops and let them sort it out... if they find any hints of child abuse, they'll take care of the CPS detail, I guess...

[Silver]

If you see something, say something. Parents like that never change. Speaking with them will only cause ire between you and them. Instead, the only rational course of action would be to contact someone in a place of authority that could ensure those children have their best chances in life, and living with that woman who claims to call herself their mother is not best for them.

[Godscreated]

Do something.

I work with kids that get pulled out of their homes, kids still in their abuser homes, run away kids, etc. These kids are waiting for someone to help them. You can't imagine what it's like to be them. Please, do something. You could be saving lives. I mean, not just because of the risk that she could kill them, but think:
-kid could become suicidal
-kid could become abuser
-kid could become criminal
-kid could go through life feeling like he isn't worth anything
-kid could kill his mom

I mean, anything could happen and the possibility of it being positive is minimal. Even if they are resilient, the quality of life is terrible. All you have to do is say something even if it is anonymous. Let CPS take care of the rest. Hopefully they'll find what they need in order to do something. Granted the kids could end up in foster care (if they find evidence) and they could have it bad there, too. But still, they could have the chance of finding a good place. If not, at least CPS will be checking up on them. If you could listen to one, just one of the kids I talk to on a daily basis, I'm sure you would stand up for them. These kids could be great adults one day, given the chance.

you forgot to add:

-kid could become a fanatic religious monster

You're some kind of help, kids are at stake.

[Faith No More]

I don't see what talking to the woman would accomplish. What are you supposed to do, walk up to her and say, "So, I've noticed you beat your kids?"

It's a shitty choice, but I would call CPS.

[Godscreated]

Call CPS you can stay anonymous, protect yourself and the children, both you and the children are in a situation not of your making, they need outside help and you need to keep yourself safe, talking to her is out of the question.

[NoraBrimstone]

Please don't punish the kids for their mother's issues. Social Services fuck kids up way more than any parent ever could. They'd literally be better off dead than in care.

[Psykhronic]

The kids are already being punished for their existence. There is no "harmless" way out for them, no matter what. Social Services seems like the lesser of two evils. There is a chance for better.