Ex’s Step-Kids Make His Son’s Life Hell, Mom Gets CPS Involved And Takes Full Custody Of Him

There is no excuse for bullying—none whatsoever. As a parent, you would be horrified to learn that your child is constantly being harassed, beaten up, insulted, and demeaned by the people close to them. Any decent adult would take the necessary steps to protect their kid and then ensure that they no longer have to suffer like this ever again.

Mom u/Such-Analyst-4132 went viral on the AITAH online group after sharing how she’s protecting her son from her ex’s stepchildren, who have been bullying him to an awful degree. Now, she asked the internet whether she was wrong in keeping her son from being around his bullies at all, including at his grandparents’ anniversary BBQ. Scroll down for the full story. Bored Panda has reached out to the author for comment, and we’ll update the article as soon as we hear back from her.

Parents need to do whatever is necessary to protect their children from mistreatment

Young boy in a red striped shirt sitting on a couch, hugging a pillow and looking sad.

Image credits: Curated Lifestyle / unsplash (not the actual photo)

An anonymous mother went online to share how she’s protecting her son from his stepsiblings

Discussion text about a mom refusing her son to attend a BBQ due to his stepsiblings.

Text snippet discussing a mother's reluctance to pay for her son's ruined wedding clothes after his father's remarriage.

Man in glasses on a phone call, looking stressed, possibly discussing family BBQ and stepsiblings issue.

Image credits: sarah b / unsplash (not the actual photo)

Text block describing a mom's suspicion of bruises on her son after a disagreement over costs of ruined items by stepsiblings.

Text describing a situation where mom addresses son's distress after a BBQ incident involving stepsiblings.

Text describing tension between mom's son and stepsiblings at a family BBQ.

Young boy looking serious, wearing a red shirt, with blurred stepsiblings in the background during a family gathering.

Image credits: Getty Images / unsplash (not the actual photo)

Text describing a mom's concern about her son's relationship with his stepsiblings.

Text about concerns for son's safety due to stepsiblings during a family BBQ.

Text about a son discussing mistreatment by stepsiblings, reflecting a mom's strict and unfair decision.

Text about a mom being concerned for her son due to incidents with stepsiblings.

Mom comforting upset son in car, dealing with stepsiblings and family dynamics, highlighting themes of being unfair and strict.

Image credits: Curated Lifestyle / unsplash (not the actual photo)

Text describing a custody incident involving a mother, her son, and stepsiblings.

Text about custody and supervised visits related to stepsiblings issue.

Text discussing a mom's decision about her son's attendance at a family BBQ with stepsiblings and her ex's family.

Text expressing a mom's concerns about fairness and strictness related to her son and stepsiblings.

Image credits: Such-Analyst-4132

If you suspect or know that a child is being maltreated, you should get in touch with CPS and provide as much information as possible

Child Protective Services (CPS) are the United States governmental agencies that are responsible for investigating reports of child maltreatment, abuse, or neglect. Often, CPS helps families find ways to support them in protecting and improving the well-being of their children.

However, in some cases, CPS look for alternate placements for children or terminate parental rights. These agencies can vary from state to state and county to county but follow the same professional standards when it comes to procedure.

Getting in touch with CPS can potentially protect a child’s health, help struggling families, and even save lives. It’s absolutely vital that you provide the agency with as much information as possible about potential abuse or neglect.

According to the Office of Child Care at the Administration for Children & Families, if you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected or if you are yourself a child who is being mistreated, you should call the ChildHelp National Child Abuse Hotline, which is available 24/7.

Young boy in a thoughtful pose on a green couch, highlighting family dynamics and strict parenting decisions.

Image credits: Getty Images / unsplash (not the actual photo)

Victims of bullying experience many issues, including negative impacts on their physical, emotional, and mental health

As per JWB Family Law, “CPS is not an entity to be called lightly. It’s reserved for situations where a child is in danger, harm, or experiencing a difficult circumstance that requires intervention.”

One common scenario where CPS might be necessary is when a parent is struggling with addiction. Furthermore, you should call CPS if you suspect or know that your child is at risk due to the actions of a spouse or caregiver. “Failure to do so not only puts your child at further risk but can also be seen as negligence for not protecting them.”

Something to keep in mind when reaching out to CPS is having a safety plan that ensures that both your and your child’s well-being can be taken care of. “Having this plan in place is crucial, as it can lead to changes enforced by the courts to protect your family from further harm. Without a safety plan issued by CPS, the courts may be less inclined to change custody or visitation arrangements as currently ordered. Therefore, advocating for a safety plan is paramount when dealing with CPS involvement.”

Stop Bullying, with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, explains that children who are the victims of bullying experience negative physical, social, emotional, academic, and mental health issues.

For example, bullying victims can experience depression and anxiety that, in some cases, may persist into adulthood. They may also have health complaints, perform worse academically, and even miss, skip, or drop out of school.

Teen sitting in a school hallway near lockers, looking upset and alone.

Image credits: Getty Images / unsplash (not the actual photo)

The mom added more context in the comments as her story spread across the internet

Text exchange discussing a mom's decision against son attending family BBQ, highlighting fairness and strictness issues.

Online discussion about a mom being strict and unfair, refusing to let her son attend a family BBQ due to stepsiblings.

Reddit comments discussing a mom's refusal to let her son attend a family BBQ due to stepsiblings, mentioning fairness and strictness.

Discussion about mom refusing son's attendance at BBQ over stepsiblings in online forum comments.

Many readers came out in support of the author and noted that her priority should be her son’s safety

Comment discussing trust issues related to a son and his stepsiblings.

Comment discussing a mother refusing her son's BBQ attendance due to stepsiblings, highlighting family fairness issues.

Comment discussing family BBQ conflict with stepsiblings, advising son to stay away and seek therapy.

Text screenshot discussing feelings about a child not attending a BBQ due to stepsibling issues.

Reddit comment discussing fairness in family dynamics, mentioning a son and stepsiblings.

Mom criticized for being unfair and too strict about son's stepsiblings at BBQ, Reddit comment.

Comment discussing court order related to stepsiblings and fairness in family situation.

Text comment on family BBQ situation with stepsiblings, discussing fairness and strictness regarding attendance.

Text comment about mom being unfair and too strict with son and stepsiblings.

Reddit comment discussing a situation where a mom defends her son from stepsiblings' abuse.

Comment on mom being strict about son's safety at family BBQ.

Comment supporting mom’s strict decision on family BBQ involving stepsiblings.

Text screenshot discussing a mom protecting her son over stepsiblings, addressing fairness and strictness.

Text response discussing mom's decision on son's safety over stepsiblings' presence at family BBQ.

Comment discussing strict parenting and family dynamics regarding stepsiblings at a BBQ.

Reddit comment discussing a mom refusing her son from attending BBQ due to stepsiblings.

A small number of internet users were less than supportive. Here’s what they said

Comment critical of parenting decision regarding son's attendance at BBQ over stepsiblings.

User comment criticizing a mom for being unfair and too strict about stepsiblings at a family BBQ.

Reddit comment criticizing a mom's decision about her son's stepsiblings, calling her unfair and too strict.

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