Malika
Well-Known Member
I just wanted to vent about something - nothing anyone can really "do" in terms of advice. So I hope that's okay...
I live in a house that is part of what was originally one big house. This means that my sitting room - where I am for much of the day, working - is directly above my neighbours' sitting room. They are a youngish couple (in their twenties I think) with a little girl who has just had her second birthday. They are a strange pair, not liked in the village, and I have had my share of problems with them although since I complained about their behaviour, to them and the town hall, they have been much more civil and friendly. Anyway... the mother doesn't work and is at home all day with the little girl. Because of the terrible sound quality between the two houses, I hear everything that goes on (alas). All day, constantly, she is screaming at the child with venom and hatred in her voice, sounding like a drill sergeant - it seems to be for things like getting into things or helping herself to a sweet. Normal child's stuff. She does not hit her but constantly sends her to stand in the corner... When the father is there, in the evening and at lunchtime, he also roars at her in the most draconian, terrifying way... The little girl does not speak but makes screaming sounds (hardly surprising). She is being verbally abused. Yet I am quite sure that if this were said to the couple, they would be absolutely horrified and instantly protest that they love their child, are just "disciplining" her, etc.
There's really nothing to say, as I say. I just HATE listening to this all day and knowing there is nothing I can do to help the child.
I live in a house that is part of what was originally one big house. This means that my sitting room - where I am for much of the day, working - is directly above my neighbours' sitting room. They are a youngish couple (in their twenties I think) with a little girl who has just had her second birthday. They are a strange pair, not liked in the village, and I have had my share of problems with them although since I complained about their behaviour, to them and the town hall, they have been much more civil and friendly. Anyway... the mother doesn't work and is at home all day with the little girl. Because of the terrible sound quality between the two houses, I hear everything that goes on (alas). All day, constantly, she is screaming at the child with venom and hatred in her voice, sounding like a drill sergeant - it seems to be for things like getting into things or helping herself to a sweet. Normal child's stuff. She does not hit her but constantly sends her to stand in the corner... When the father is there, in the evening and at lunchtime, he also roars at her in the most draconian, terrifying way... The little girl does not speak but makes screaming sounds (hardly surprising). She is being verbally abused. Yet I am quite sure that if this were said to the couple, they would be absolutely horrified and instantly protest that they love their child, are just "disciplining" her, etc.
There's really nothing to say, as I say. I just HATE listening to this all day and knowing there is nothing I can do to help the child.