Dear Miss C,
I feel guilty even asking this one. But my neighbor has an elementary school aged child. Right after school the child comes to our house to hang around. I think the parents work (but I am not 100% sure). We like this child a lot, but they won’t go home. This child spends at least five days (sometimes more) a week and even has supper with us. The child’s parents don’t seem worried about where they are in the evening. They just don’t seem to take responsibility for daytime hours. Sometimes the child even brings homework or books and just sits on our deck and reads. What should I do?
—Caring Neighbor
Dear Caring Neighbor,
I believe you have two choices. One, you can tell this child he or she is welcome at your home, then set a schedule for when the child can or cannot be at your home…then stick to those boundaries. Or Two, you can realize that this behavior shows a need, and address it. It’s likely that this child is afraid to be alone in an empty house. Perhaps you could find a way to incorporate this child into your normal afternoon schedule? Are your children doing homework in a certain place at a certain time? This child can too! Are your children doing chores? You could assign chores to this child as well. But perhaps you should talk to the parents. You might share with them that you are happy to include their child in your afternoon plans. These simple actions and conversations can change a child’s life. An adult recognizing the child has a need, and helping with this need has helped many a child in overcoming life’s bumps.
Blessings,
—Miss C
I am waiting to hear from you! Send your questions to me via email at AskMeMissC@gmail.com, visit my Facebook Page, or send your questions to West Bend News with attention to me! Miss C!
