Grandchild complains of parents' lack of attention since the birth of younger sister (now 2), to the point of feeling unloved. Is depression a possibility? Should I be concerned? Situation at the child's home is such that anything I say will get the child in trouble with parents.
2007-04-06 17:59:39 · 6 answers · asked by mumsarge 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
I would believe it. They are setting up their daughter for a lifetime of feeling badly about herself and a host of other problems. Best if you "notice" it when you are there and not let them know she talked to you. Lister to her and never betray her trust. Let her know you will always be there for her and that you love her. When you are there ask her to help you with the baby, changing diapers, feeding and the like. He parents should be doing this. They will probably punish her for her feelings if they know she talked to you, and this will make her feelings worse and make her reluctant to talk to you. Please leave her the avenue to your ears and heart. Good luck.
2007-04-06 18:13:23 · answer #1 · answered by lcmcpa 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes you should be concerned but you don't want to betray the child's trust in you by telling the parents what she said but can you spend any more time at the child's home to see for your self and maybe have some special quality time with the 5 year old since the new baby is now 2 years old the 5 yr old shouldn't be feeling so left out I don't know the answer but I'm glad your a nan that listens good luck
2007-04-06 18:52:16 · answer #2 · answered by deb m 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It may or may not be true that the child is being ignored. What is important is that the child FEELS ignored, and that feeling should be validated. If you want to avoid getting the child in trouble, you should approach the topic as though it were your own thought or observation. Offer suggestions on how the older child can be involved in helping with the younger one. The child should understand that being an older sibling is an important job and one to be proud of. You should absolutely be concerned, but it's not too late to turn things around.
2007-04-06 18:11:19 · answer #3 · answered by Nicole 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think you should be very concerned. Normally 5 year old don't say stuff like that even when its true. So this child is very close to you and needs your help. Yes, if you confront the parents the parents will get angry, for the child's sake, you should spend more time with him/her. hopefully that will make the child feel less ignored and more confident again.
2007-04-06 18:07:42 · answer #4 · answered by dakota_gal_1968 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the child were to get in trouble for you asking why he feels so unloved then there is obviously a problem. Children don't make things up, they don't lie about being ignored, beaten, abandoned or emotionally abused.
2007-04-06 18:34:15 · answer #5 · answered by throughthebackyards 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'd believe it. Maybe talk to the parents.
Especially if they both work, I would totally believe him.
He doesn't have a reaosn to lie, exept to get attention, which he obviously needs.
2007-04-06 18:06:50 · answer #6 · answered by aprilandroland 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋