I feel sorry for a kid in our street.

[Kiltie]

There's a young lad in our street I feel terribly sorry for. I guess he's about eight or nine years old.

I'm uncertain as to the domestic circumstances but it would appear that he lives with two ladies. One is a bit older so could possibly be the grandmother.

I see him out sometimes with the (assumed) grandmother walking with their dog. She's reading what would appear to be a small bible type book (like the 'Good Book Highlights') while walking and, at the same time, constantly controlling the boy ... "don't you dare walk too far in front".

Then there's the (assumed) mother who seems to constantly barate the child. Tonight we came across them in the park and it was a particularly sad situation. I was really sorry for the kid. She was really yelling at him and didn't seem to care that we were close by. The way she was shouting at him wasn't like a parent reaching the end of their tether, it sounded like it was really intended to make him sorry ... and it went on ... and on.

I also took note of her garb and it didn't look like that of a sane person.

Now, I have no reason whatsoever to suspect that this lad is the subject of any kind of abuse, in the conventional sense. I'm just feeling that he has a really poor quality of life.

I'm thinking "ignore" as I have a few issues on my own plate but wondered if anyone might have a different take.

Cheers,

Eric

[Kiltie]

BTW - I also feel sorry for the dog.

Eric

[Firefoot]

I would be tempted to have a quiet word with the relevant authority and they can assess the situation for themselves.

If all is fine then they will take no action, but at least it will have been checked, and if the mother needs assistance, maybe she will get it.

[havoc]

Verbal abuse (sustained and deliberate, as opposed to 'just' shouting at a delinquent kid) is still abuse. Harder to see the signs of, but still abuse.

That said, how well do you know the kid? Has he got 'history', so to speak, and they're now trying to keep him on a short leash to prevent him repeat-offending? Is he himself a bit unhinged and in need of such a level of discipline? Or is he just a verbal punchbag for the Mum's frustration at the hand life's dealt her?

As an outsider, it's hard to be sure, and you're probably damned either way:-
- report to Social Services and see them possibly break-up a home which may/may not be THAT bad;
- don't report and watch him (possibly) slide further inside himself as he tries to shield himself from the verbal...


I guess the main question is - do you know/suspect enough to make a report?

[Jasandjules]

If you are worried, then do something about it.

[stifler]

There are some moomins* who live a couple of doors up from us. If I am working in my front garden or in my garage I will smile at people and say "morning" or similar, if people smile at me or start chatting. I like to think of it as being friendly and neighbourly.
The moomins, however, tell their children not to walk in front, and not to talk to "the man who doesn't go to church". They say this within earshot of me.
Sometimes I say "good morning" very loudly to them and smile, just to try and point out the absurdity of the situation that they have placed their family in.
It is quite upsetting when you think that their 7 (yes 7) children will grow up with such strong beliefs instilled in them, yet seem to have never been given the chance to try and work things out for themselves.

• Mormons. They have a lack of respect for me, so I will take the piss out of them.

Edited by stifler on Monday 29th June 21:54

[i remember]

Get social services on her ass!

[havoc]

stifler said:

It is quite upsetting when you think that their 7 (yes 7) children will grow up with such strong beliefs instilled in them, yet seem to have never been given the chance to try and work things out for themselves.

There are times I truly believe the Chinese have the right idea...usually when I hear of bigots, idiots and the feckless having lots of children...

[Kiltie]

Jasandjules said:

If you are worried, then do something about it.

I'm not worried, I'm just sad. There might have been some aspects of my own childhood that I'd not wish on other wee ones but I am where I am now and I'm reasonably contented.

Having posted this has kind of helped me make up my mind.

I'm not going to do or say anything drastic unless I witness something that I actually believe might cause harm.

If I get the opportunity, I'll try to get to know the kid and maybe be able to foster some kind of friendship and get him interested in fast cars.

Cheers,

Eric

[stifler]

havoc said:

stifler said:

It is quite upsetting when you think that their 7 (yes 7) children will grow up with such strong beliefs instilled in them, yet seem to have never been given the chance to try and work things out for themselves.

There are times I truly believe the Chinese have the right idea...usually when I hear of bigots, idiots and the feckless having lots of children...

Correctly run, licencing could be a good thing. And, no, I am not joking.

[Pferdestarke]

Fake a letter from social services saying they are being watched as they have received several complaints of verbal bullying from locals.

Might calm things down for him a bit. Then again, the cane might come out!

[Funk]

stifler said:

* Mormons. They have a lack of respect for me, so I will take the piss out of them.

There's one 'm' too many in the name.

I detest all religions equally and will endeavour to deride all of them at some stage. Thanks.

[Kiltie]

havoc said:

Some very insightful stuff.

Thanks for that.

[Tyre_Tread]

Kiltie said:

Jasandjules said:

If you are worried, then do something about it.

I'm not worried, I'm just sad. There might have been some aspects of my own childhood that I'd not wish on other wee ones but I am where I am now and I'm reasonably contented.

Having posted this has kind of helped me make up my mind.

I'm not going to do or say anything drastic unless I witness something that I actually believe might cause harm.

If I get the opportunity, I'll try to get to know the kid and maybe get arrested because someone assumes I have an ulterior motive.



Cheers,

Eric

EFA

[Kiltie]

Firefoot said:

Some straightforward thoughts.

Thanks - I don't think I'm there yet though.

Eric

[Kiltie]

Tyre_Tread said:

Kiltie said:

Jasandjules said:

If you are worried, then do something about it.

I'm not worried, I'm just sad. There might have been some aspects of my own childhood that I'd not wish on other wee ones but I am where I am now and I'm reasonably contented.

Having posted this has kind of helped me make up my mind.

I'm not going to do or say anything drastic unless I witness something that I actually believe might cause harm.

If I get the opportunity, I'll try to get to know the kid and maybe get arrested because someone assumes I have an ulterior motive.



Cheers,

Eric

EFA

Yeah, thanks for that.

What a tosser.

Cheers,

Eric

[Brown and Boris]

Could be your call to social services, the police or his school is the final bit of the jig saw.

Youi have to call, because if you don't it will play through your mind every time you see him.

[7mike]

Funk said:

stifler said:

* Mormons. They have a lack of respect for me, so I will take the piss out of them.

There's one 'm' too many in the name.

I don't get it, what's an Ormon?

[ShadownINja]

Can you do anything if it's verbal abuse? Too many parents tell their kids they'll never amount to anything or they're stupid etc; it'll screw them up for life but is it enough to complain to the authorities about?

[taldo]

100% make the call, dont let the poor little fella suffer, at least you did something if you call the social.