Spinoff from Parenting: the fine line between none of your business & your business.

How do you draw the line between things that are your business & not your business?

On parenting, a poster posted about their friend doing coke. The mom drops off her son at her parents & goes partying.

Many posters responded that there is nothing the OP could do. Some posters responded to confront her.

There are the obvious clear lines like child abuse & molestation.

When does something become your business?


A few months ago, I saw a little boy waiting for a bus on a major road by himself. He looked like he was bout 7. I called my son's daycare & apologized for bringing them into it but asked what I should do, if there was someone I could call or if they could send someone to wait with him.

My friend & I got in argument because she stated it was none of my business & why would I get his mom in trouble. I think it is my business if a child (granted one I don't know) is in a dangerous situation.

Re: Spinoff from Parenting: the fine line between none of your business & your business.

I think that unwarranted advice is completely different from taking care of a potentially dangerous situation. And I think this goes for all scenarios, not just with children. I think if you see something, say something (I sound like a commercial, I'm sorry). If you don't, you may regret it.

Re: Spinoff from Parenting: the fine line between none of your business & your business.

I think in any situation where a child is in in danger and you know it - it would be irresponsible not to do something.

I think the problem is do you ALWAYS know what is going on behind closed doors? it's risky - but I would rather be wrong then see a child get hurt.

Re: Spinoff from Parenting: the fine line between none of your business & your business.

So in the case where a friend is doing drugs - not in the presence of her child - what would you do?


I think that has the potential for danger - where are the drugs kept? could the mom be busted when she has the child? Drug addiction can be a slippery slope. What's to stop her from doing it at her house while her child is sleeping?

Re: Spinoff from Parenting: the fine line between none of your business & your business.

Re: Spinoff from Parenting: the fine line between none of your business & your business.

always a tough call.

Today I saw FH's niece walking on a busy road with another young girl ( she is almost 10). This was outside of our neighborhood. So, I called her mother ( my FSIL ) and just made sure she was "allowed" to be there. . .which she was. . .

She sounded pretty annoyed to me - I am not sure if I made the right decision. But you know what? I would rather butt in and say something then regret it later on!

Re: Spinoff from Parenting: the fine line between none of your business & your business.

Re: Spinoff from Parenting: the fine line between none of your business & your business.

You know - I am so torn about this. My gut says you are not a good friend if you don't try to get her some help - or take care of the child.

BUT it doesnt sound like she WANTS help.

I have a family member with a young child - and another on the way. He is a HUGE drinker/gambler/drug user. I have tried on many occasions to try to talk to him - he has been to rehab - but it never seems to stick. So - I keep away - keep my child away. But not a day goes by that I dont worry about his kids.

I feel a little helpless though - what to do? DO I call social services? Is it better for the kids to be ripped out of their homes?

I dont totally know what goes on behind closed doors (is it better, worse?).

So I am not sure this is one answer to this problem. It is gut wrenching!

Re: Spinoff from Parenting: the fine line between none of your business & your business.