Anonymous
Post 01/06/2026 10:16     Subject: At what point can I call CPS or can I at all?
So, your sister and her partner have low IQs and are attempting to raise a child.
Somebody has to get involved.
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2026 10:06     Subject: At what point can I call CPS or can I at all?
Anonymous wrote:

Someone else asked what he's eating at meals, I'm curious about this too. What does he eat? Obviously no sugar and no fruit and no snacks, probably no processed foods at all? Some kids in that situation will happily eat what their parents give them, even if it's like unseasoned tofu, dense whole grain bread, and raw kale. Other kids will just eat nothing (that is what my kid would do, she has sensory issues that impact her eating and will go hungry rather than eat something unpalatable). My feelings about this are different depending on whether his basic nutritional needs are being met or not.


He's a two year old losing weight, so I think you can guess the answer to this one.
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2026 09:57     Subject: At what point can I call CPS or can I at all?
I am usually hesitant to advise calling CPS, but I'd call in this case. He just has literally no one else looking out for him, and is clearly not being cared for properly.
In the best cases (which I know doesn't always happen!) CPS can give your sister some education and resources, check up on him over the course of several months, and when your sister knows better, she does better.
I'm praying that's the outcome here.
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2026 09:50     Subject: At what point can I call CPS or can I at all?
Anonymous wrote:I agree with calling CPS.

However, if she is currently not speaking to your mom but *is* speaking to you, I might discuss with your mom and maybe have her call. This would technically keep your hands clean and keep a line of communication open to you, which could be helpful moving forward. If your mom is already on record as having an issue with this, it will come as less of a blow to your sister. To the degree you can stay in your nephew's life, that is a good thing.

Someone else asked what he's eating at meals, I'm curious about this too. What does he eat? Obviously no sugar and no fruit and no snacks, probably no processed foods at all? Some kids in that situation will happily eat what their parents give them, even if it's like unseasoned tofu, dense whole grain bread, and raw kale. Other kids will just eat nothing (that is what my kid would do, she has sensory issues that impact her eating and will go hungry rather than eat something unpalatable). My feelings about this are different depending on whether his basic nutritional needs are being met or not.


Very good advice about keeping your line of communication open if possible …
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2026 09:46     Subject: Re:At what point can I call CPS or can I at all?
It would take a LOT for me to call CPS - but a malnourished kid? Whose parents have the resources (ie, money) to feed him? Yup. I'd make the call.
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2026 09:15     Subject: At what point can I call CPS or can I at all?
If they are really isolated, I would call. If he goes to daycare, I wouldn't. Because then he's interacting with mandatory reporters a lot.
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2026 09:13     Subject: At what point can I call CPS or can I at all?
Are you offering to take him?
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2026 09:12     Subject: At what point can I call CPS or can I at all?
I agree with calling CPS.

However, if she is currently not speaking to your mom but *is* speaking to you, I might discuss with your mom and maybe have her call. This would technically keep your hands clean and keep a line of communication open to you, which could be helpful moving forward. If your mom is already on record as having an issue with this, it will come as less of a blow to your sister. To the degree you can stay in your nephew's life, that is a good thing.

Someone else asked what he's eating at meals, I'm curious about this too. What does he eat? Obviously no sugar and no fruit and no snacks, probably no processed foods at all? Some kids in that situation will happily eat what their parents give them, even if it's like unseasoned tofu, dense whole grain bread, and raw kale. Other kids will just eat nothing (that is what my kid would do, she has sensory issues that impact her eating and will go hungry rather than eat something unpalatable). My feelings about this are different depending on whether his basic nutritional needs are being met or not.
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2026 09:10     Subject: At what point can I call CPS or can I at all?
OP, are you or your mother prepared to raise these children?
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2026 09:03     Subject: At what point can I call CPS or can I at all?
Anonymous wrote:Yep, call CPS. If you had any other options or a doctor was involved I wouldn't say that. Just know that nothing may be done.


+1
If you’ve already tried the family concern approach- which honestly would totally work if I were your sister - then you have to take bigger steps. It’s a matter of health.

FWIW I let my 2 year olds eat as much healthy food as they wanted. I gave them a morning snack of fruit or yogurt (full fat) or crackers and an afternoon snack of the same. Every meal featured proteins, carbs, and vegetable or fruit. DH is British and he’s used to dessert everyday, so they had dessert everyday- sometimes just fruit with whipped cream - I like a little scoop of ice cream with my fruit. My kids were (and still are) always 1-5% weight and I was constantly worried when they were little. My ILs are all tall and skinny, so it’s just their body type. Kids (4) are 22-10 yrs and still same body type
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2026 08:57     Subject: At what point can I call CPS or can I at all?
Call CPS. My drug addict cousin did this with her first son. He is mentally very messed up from the malnutrition. Please call. Be prepared to take the child if you can.
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2026 08:55     Subject: At what point can I call CPS or can I at all?
Personally I would be filing for custody even if I lost I’d do it anyway to show my nephew I tried
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2026 08:55     Subject: At what point can I call CPS or can I at all?
Call
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2026 08:54     Subject: At what point can I call CPS or can I at all?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:It’s not unusual for parents to feed their kids poorly, the only thing that concerns me is the lack of medical checkups. That is very concerning, how is this child on track with vaccinations?


He has never had any.


Call absolutely now
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2026 08:53     Subject: At what point can I call CPS or can I at all?

You can always call CPS. There is no barrier to doing so. You can't guarantee what the outcome will be, but you can call.