walk home a mile and a half in snowstorms. His dad is not in the picture and his mom works a lot. She is very often out of town on business for 3-4 days at a time. This kid has a younger brother who I believe is 11 or 12. I have never met the mom or younger brother. He tells me that he eats hot dogs or taquitos every night for dinner. He's a good boy, but seems sad. Would you be concerned with this situation? What would you do if you were me?
2007-05-19 09:58:56 · 17 answers · asked by comet girl...DUCK! 6 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Polls & Surveys
Note: they are not poor. In fact, I would say they are quite affleunt.
We are kind of in a remote area and the kid doesn't drive.
16 year olds are old enough to babysit and my mother was married at 16. Maybe I should just chill out and cook the kids some dinner every now and again.
2007-05-19 10:12:37 · update #1
I totally understand the mother's need to work to support her kids, but they are still being neglected regularly. If he's not trying to sucker you, then perhaps you could talk to your church (you're Mormon, right?) and the boys mom about helping them out with meals and checking in on the boys. If it's a tight community, it seems like a better situation than pulling the kids away from their mom.
I'm such a sucker for a sob story, I'd be taking the boys in all the time!
2007-05-19 10:12:18 · answer #1 · answered by amstaff 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the child is mature enough, 16 is old enough to watch an 11 year old sibling. If the mom is actually on business, then she is trying to support her children. People hire 16 year old babysitters all of the time. He may be sad because he is in his awkward teen years. I am not saying don't be concerned, but severe action is not needed. Besides, hot dogs and taquitos for dinner is not the worst thing in the world. Invite them to dinner.
2007-05-19 10:19:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are a kind person. It may be a good idea to talk to the school council er about this situation. At his age he is probably responsible enough but with the mother out of town that much, he and his brother could be in danger in some situations. God bless you for being a caring person-many don't want to get "involved".
2007-05-19 10:06:16 · answer #3 · answered by marlynembrindle 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Based on my personal experience.
I would help them out, buy them food and clothes and whatever they lacked until eventually they started taking advantage of my generosity. Then they would leave me with a $1200 cell phone bill, a car to replace because he wrecked it and a car to pay for because he hit it and the insurance company said that he wasn't covered for some reason.
But, in a few weeks or months I'll do it all over again with somebody else who needs some help.
I hope that some day, at least one of these people call just to say thanks. But probably not ! And I will keep on helping people until they stick me in an old folks home.
2007-05-19 10:09:16 · answer #4 · answered by Eveready 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hmmm. I think the transportation thing should be addressed. You're taking care of him, but who's taking care of the younger brother? (No, I don't think *you* should, I think his mother should.) If they are pretty well off as you say, she should be able to hire someone to do this. It's kind of you to do it, but he IS her child, and the other is hers too, I assume. She is getting a free ride by not having to care for her own kids. Yes, 16 is old enough to baby sit, but not perpetually! What does the poor kid do for a life? No wonder he's sad.
2007-05-19 10:19:56 · answer #5 · answered by Baby'sMom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, if he has a brother that young and they are both left alone for days at a time that is child abandonment/neglect. You should absolutely find out what is going on and call the authorities. It's not right for parents to leave teens and even younger, alone for that amount of time! How ridiculous!
2007-05-19 10:08:10 · answer #6 · answered by The Nana of Nana's 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would do the same that you have already done and i would make an effort to get acquainted with the mom and see how much food they actually have in the house,after having done that and a little more financially stable than i am,i would offer to buy some groceries for the two boys and i would also find out where the father would be
2007-05-19 10:14:10 · answer #7 · answered by ken s 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Invite him over for dinner occasionally. It's not like he's living in a shelter... He's got food, even if it's crappy, and he's got a place to live. He's 16, which is old enough to work.. He can get a job and help support his little bro if they're that poor.
2007-05-19 10:04:48 · answer #8 · answered by Sarah R 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would get to know the mother first......although the situation is a bit concerning, you don't know what is really going on. i would also invite the kids over for dinner when their mom is away, but not until you meet the mother and make sure it is ok. i know i wouldn't want my kids going to a stranger's house for dinner
2007-05-19 10:11:37 · answer #9 · answered by The Spazz 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give the mother some information about help in your Community. Food Stamps, isn't something that you brag on. But those Children need to have food. The State would be glad to assist those that are quaified. Thanks for being a caring neighbor!
2007-05-19 10:03:56 · answer #10 · answered by Nunya Bidniss 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋