What would of you done????

Question

There's this boy "Mike" who used to live in our development - he was a trouble maker. His parents divorced and he moved to N. Carolina with his mom and his dad still lives here. He is here visiting his dad during the long school break. He is probably 9 or 10.This afternoon my kids (7 and 2) were playing outside - there are always a ton of kids playing outside. So he started playing with everyone. Around 12 I told my kids it was time to come for lunch. He quietly asked me if he could have some lunch. He said his dad left early in the morning and he hasn't eaten yet - not even breakfast. I said yes, but then he would have to leave as we had plans this afternoon. After lunch he starting walking towards his house and then came back and told me he lost his house keys. I asked for his dad's phone number so I could call him and tell him -he didn't have it. What would you have done - called police, just left him, watched him all day?

I winded up cancelling my afternoon plans and watching him day. My husband (who was at work all day) thinks I'm nuts and I should of called the police. Thinking about it now I probably should of - it was just a weird situation.

Answer 1

I'm with your husband.... just because you are a nice person does not mean that the next person is not going to hurt him.... I would bite the bullet and call cops so either they can let him in his house and call their parents or have someone make sure this does not happen again. I'm glad you where able to feed him and watch over him..... but the next person may have more sinister plans.

Answer 2

Thank you for taking care of him that afternoon. If you know the dad and talk with him, I'd let him know that his son cannot be left alone. In some states the age is 10 when they can stay alone. However, if the child cannot get into the apartment or have food, then that is inadequate supervision. The dad can get in trouble and risk not being able to have his child come visit. If you see this happen again, then I suggest that you call social services and notify them. Another thought, is there a day care center that the dad could enroll his son in.?

Answer 3

Wow something is not right! I know this cause a couple of times I was that kid! You should cll the police! Even if he is at home now! Ecspecially if he is still there with you!! If for some odd reason there is nothing to worry about>Highly Doubt< the police will look into it and go from there! Just think about it... would u ever leave your kid w/no food or anyone knowing? Also without pushing to much talk to him if he is still there and see if you can get some anwsers! He might not cooroporate with the police! Eithger way PLEASE TAKE MY ADVICE!!! Call the police!! Think of how u would feel if somthing has happend are does happen. Also maybe his dad was just running to the store and somthing happened to him and besides u know one is even worried??? Just for many reasons call...Also if he is still there give acall to whoever he lived w/ in N Carolina!!! Please add details to your question when y figure this out and if you need anymore advice!!

Answer 4

This was a bad situation and that child was lucky you are a caring person.
You should not have canceled your plans, however. You should have called the police and let the state take care of him.
From now on, whenever this child comes to play with your kids, document anything that he says or does that implies that he is neglected and call the police if he is left alone the way he was today.

Answer 5

In the first place, a child like that should not have been left alone to fend for himself...he certainly has a very irresponsible and selfish parent...and so the parent expects a 'good samaritan' like you or someone else to look after him. It was awefully kind of you to offer lunch and then 'forced' to look after him as well despite your busy schedule.Yes, it can be frustrating when you have your own plans and then have to give up on account of someone else which can become habitual especially when it's being taken for granted....Since you were generous enough to take him in till the parent return, you should have a word with his parent and ask about his child's arrangements when he is away...is there a day care for children that he can place him in etc...If your suggestion fails, then you should inform child support services about this.....Kindness has it's limits but going to the extreme can make it hazadous in that it becomes your responsibility....and the child's parent will take it for granted that it's ok to leave the child unattended when there are people around to support! That's terrible!

Answer 6

I would have likely done the same thing. I would have waited for his Dad to come home and then went over and talked to him about the situation. I would have made it crystal clear to him that I expected for someone to be there with him the rest of his stay and if there wasn't someone there I would have definitely called the police. As a sidenote, I would have also asked the boy how I could get in touch with his Mom and make sure that she was aware of the situation.

Answer 7

Well, to make sure he wasn't pulling a fast one on me, i would have asked him to walk me to his place and then i would knock on the door to see if he was telling the truth.
Kids can sometimes tell some whoppers to get what they want.He wanted to eat lunch at your house and continue to visit with your children...so he told you his dad was gone and he had not eaten.Then...he didnt want to have to leave so he told you he lost his key and to keep from getting caught he told you he didnt have a number....hmmmm.
After knocking on the door and if someone answered, i would have told on him for lieing.But, if there really wasn't anyone there...i would have called the police or CPS.Preferable the police because they would take him away immediently and contacted CPS..then the parents would come home to find him gone and would freak...maybe learn a lesson or get the punishment they deserve.Calling CPS....well, they wouldn't come right away and you would still have to watch him all day.Then they would want a report later and well..all that drawn out crap.
if this or something like this happens again....check it out b4 you panic.
I have had kids tell me things like that only to find out they are telling me BIG storys.I've even had my own children do it to me...lol.
I remember once i was letting my son stay the n ight with my mother...at about 6 pm she called me yelling...YOU DONT KNOW HOW TO MAKE A DINNER TO FEED YOUR CHILD?? AND YOU DONT HAVE A PROPER BED TIME FOR HIM???... i was like...what the heck are you talking about lady??? lol my son told her a ton of stories to get extra goodies and to stay up late.And he was obviously very convencing at it too.

Answer 8

I would have watched him that day but i would have talked to his dad that evening and found out if the child was being truthful and if the child was i would have told him if i ever seen any thing like this again i would call family services on him

Answer 9

I think I would have done exactly what you did......but the right thing to do was probably to call the police......just a question though, did you try to see if his house was really locked? I wonder if he was looking more for someone to hang around....his dad sounds like a complete deadbeat, and has probably left him home by himself for most of the holiday break......the kid might just be lonely.....

Answer 10

HI, I WOULD HAVE CALLED THE POLICE. JUST FOR THEM TO CAME AND CHECK THING OUT. A CHILD SHOULD NOT BE LEFT ALONE. IF YOU KEEP ON DOING THIS FOR THE CHILD THE DAD WILL AWAYS LEAVE HIM ALONE. BECAUSE YOU KNOW THAT THE BOY WENT HOME AND TOLD THE DAD THAT YOU HELP HIM. NOW THE DAD KNOWS HE CAN LEAVE THE BOY. BECAUSE HE KNOWS HE HAS YOU TO FEED HIM AND HE KNOWS YOU WILL KEEP AT YOUR HOME. PLEASE CALL THE POLICE NEXT TIME THIS HAPPENS. LET ME TELL YOU, YOU DID A GREAT THING BY TAKING THAT BOY IN YOUR HOME. I HOPE I HELP YOU. YVONNE