[auntdes]

My nehew is thirteen years old and having problems at home. He told me earlier tonight that he is having suicidal thoughts and has told his mother, my sister. However, she has not wanted to help him and refuses to admit he has a problem. About four years ago she got a new boyfriend and they now have a child. Now that child gets all the attention and love will my nephew gets treated like the black sheep. He is emotionally and physically abused at home. Apparently, he has been having these thoughts for a while but this is the first time I have ever heard of it. I have tried to talk to my sister about why she treats both children so differant but is in denial about the issue. I am scared for my nephew and don't know what to do. I am the only other family he has and he has never had a positive male influence in his life. I would appreciate any help I could get. I am at a loss for what to do. I am very afraid of what might happen if I dont do something soon. But I have no idea what to do. I am only 19 and need some advice. Thank you.

[kimchee67]

You are a great aunt for worrying so much about your nephew. This seems to be such a serious matter, and I am sorry that your sister isn't treating it that way. I would give your nephew a local crisis hotline number and maybe even the number for Child Protective Services, or whatever child welfare department you have in your area. If he is in an abusive home, he needs to get out or get the family help. If you want, you can even call anonymously if he's afraid. We have had a similar situation in my family. Everyone in my extended family knew what was going on, but nobody did anything about it. My mother was very supportive to the victim, and ended up helping her get out of her abusive household. Although there has been a change in the relationships, it was worth it to my mom, who couldn't let the abuse go on and for the family member that was tired of being physically abused. A professional will know how to deal with this situation.

[sxm0089]

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/suicidePrevention/sui911.cfm


I hope this helps you out. I can not imagine what this must be like to deal with. My MIL committed suicide and it is aweful to go through. I wish you all the best. If you want to talk send me an e-mail.

[mcmama]

Good link. And being supportive to your nephew, giving him the sense that he has alternatives, is important.

[Alejandros Mommy]

I have a 7 yr old from a previous relationship...and just had Aiden 9mnths ogo with my Dh...I try to make sure Alejandro (my 7yr old) feels special in his own way. I can't believe your sis is being so detached from her son....it is very saddening
I'm so glad that your nephew has you in his life....can you ask your sis if you can take him for a few days a month? Just so he has something to look forward to each month?

[MissyChrissy]

Aw honey-that's terrible. You really CAN do something. I believe you should make a report on the family. When you talk with the social worker, indicate you'd like custody if the mother isn't going to do her part. Your nephew needs serious help. Depression is a DEADLY disease and the longer it's covered up and ignored, the more likely it is he's going to try something.

Tell him flat out that if he feels really low you'll take him in. Even if it's just for the weekend. You're 19. Legally, you could potentially get custody if it came to that. That's a worst case scenario-obviously, him getting love from his mom would be idea, but just don't feel powerless. BE THERE for him...any time of day or night. Let him know he's important to you. It'll do him a world of good-you just being there.

[QueenAngie]

Welcome to the board!

Can your nephew talk to......
a guidance counselor at school?
Minister at church?
His coach at sports?
Or maybe a trusted teacher?

Glad that you can be there for him and support him.

Let us know how things are going.

[lene_hope]

Got An Extra Room...............move Him In...........he Is Reaching Out To You. You Can Be The One To Make The Difference. Shame On Your Sister