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Spurgeons and Dad.Info doesn’t investigate reports of abuse or neglect. But below, you can find advice on who to contact if you have concerns about a child or young person.
Reporting a concern
It can be difficult to know what to do if you think a child is at risk. It’s important to remember that if you’ve spotted things that don’t seem right, others will have too. Speaking up can make sure that child gets help as soon as possible.
The sooner you contact your local children’s social care duty team, the quicker they can act. They’re available 24 hours a day, and can make an anonymous report if that feels safer. If a child is in immediate danger, please call the police straight away by dialling 999.
Report child abuse or neglect to your local council
Use these links to get in touch with your local council:
My son has been bought hand weights of various weights by his father for Christmas. As far as I can make out, he is being left to his own devices in using them. My ex will not communicate with me, as he thinks that he is always right and I am always wrong. My son has a weight issue due to the vast amounts of fast food/convenience he eats when with his father, I have tried to address this only to be told that it is my fault he has put on weight as he spends more time with me! . I try my best in giving him a healthy diet and take him out on his bike, scooter,playing football and walking. He resents this at times but I cannot think of any other way to help him not ile on more weight!There needs to be some sensibleness in using weights in children that young as over use can cause big problems in their natural development. Any advice welcome in trying to resolve this matter. Thanks in advance
Kids back today, both stated they had had mcDonalds breakfast several days whilst with their father and also big mans breakfast which consisted of bacon,sausages,hashbrowns,beans, eggs and toast. This is far too much for kids surely?? In four days they have had an apple, the only fruit given to them!!!!!!!!!!!
...it's never ending for you BooBoo, I really feel for you. I don't know a thing about weights as far as children are concerned, but it makes sense that care needs to be taken with children and monitored more closely.
I think the best you can do is to give him a healthy diet when he is at home, perhaps get him to prepare meals with you so that you can teach him the importance of a balanced diet. As you say you do try to involve him in physical activities, perhaps think about swimming, all kids love a trip to the baths.
Hi Nannyjane, he used to go swimming but then he decided he didn't want to go anymore. He was asked to go for an assessment with a view to joining the local swimming club, he said no. He likes running as do I, so I have been encouraging him with this but running geared to his age group.
I don't think you're going to be able to stop him, so can you supervise him, or at least check you're happy with how he's using the weights? At this age, I suspect that the fast food won't be a problem if he's doing plenty of exercise (if he was playing computer games etc instead, then that would be a different matter) and you're giving him a healthy diet to make up for it - could be a deal you do with him.
Hi Actd, the weights are at his fathers so I cannot supervise how my son is doing it. Fast food is a monthly treat at home, but a weekly occurance at his fathers. Exercise is a daily thing at home, infrequently over at his fathers. I have now involved the school nurse to see if she can get through to hte ex 🙁
Get your GP involved weights at that age can cause problems if not done or supervised correctly. It can lead to poor posture and at worst some doctors believe it can damage the child growth plates causing stunted growth. that's the physical side. the psychological side is telling the child that they are not acceptable and need to change their body image, which can be damaging.
If the father won’t listen then get your GP to talk to your son.
That is my next port of call, then my solicitor. I am fed up of the fact that the ex thinks he know's best, when in actual fact what he is doing is causing problems for the future. And as a social worker said, it could be classed as neglect. Thanks guys for all your comments, they have been very helpful x