Another Neighbour Thread.
Discussion
My youngest is friends with the boy over the road, and as my Daughter struggles to make friends, I have encouraged her to build on this friendship.
However, during the last half term it became apparent that the Mother of said boy was sending him over to my house when she was on her way out to work. I said nothing as half term is only short, and I appreciate she needs to work and getting shot term childcare can be difficult.
Now the Easter holidays are here and he is arriving on my door step at just after 9am and staying until Mum gets home at around 1pm.
I have had no conversation with Mum, I don't even have a contact phone number, I believe that an older brother may be at home, but I am not sure.
Given I am not a registered child minder my main concern is what happens if he has an accident while at my home. Should I have a word with her, or just start sending him back home every morning.
However, during the last half term it became apparent that the Mother of said boy was sending him over to my house when she was on her way out to work. I said nothing as half term is only short, and I appreciate she needs to work and getting shot term childcare can be difficult.
Now the Easter holidays are here and he is arriving on my door step at just after 9am and staying until Mum gets home at around 1pm.
I have had no conversation with Mum, I don't even have a contact phone number, I believe that an older brother may be at home, but I am not sure.
Given I am not a registered child minder my main concern is what happens if he has an accident while at my home. Should I have a word with her, or just start sending him back home every morning.
wedge girl said:
I have had no conversation with Mum, I don't even have a contact phone number, I believe that an older brother may be at home, but I am not sure.
Should I have a word with her, or just start sending him back home every morning.
Personally, I wouldn't take on any responsibility for this child - you will no doubt feel a duty of care in the mother's absence and this is clearly unacceptable.
The parent has the responsibility to make appropriate arrangements and ensure safeguards are in place even for the shortest period of time. And if they aren't, then they can be prosecuted for neglect, although I do appreciate you said he may have an older brother at home.
I'd definitely have a word with her to air your concerns and arrange a mutually agreeable time when her boy can come and play with your daughter.
I agree with all of the above, and would add that, for your sake, you need to be very careful. This child has only to say, just once, that you shouted at him / smacked him / (or worse) - true or not - and you are in deep deep doodah...
I am child-protection trained (for youth work) and half of what they teach you is to prevent THE KIDS getting YOU into trouble, deliberately or accidentally.
Do not leave yourself open to this for one second more than you have to.
I am child-protection trained (for youth work) and half of what they teach you is to prevent THE KIDS getting YOU into trouble, deliberately or accidentally.
Do not leave yourself open to this for one second more than you have to.
There are 2 older brothers 15 and 17, I can't really tell them apart so I'm not sure which one is at home, I don't think they are keeping a good eye on him though, as he never has a time to be home for lunch etc...
My other concern is where does he go when I'm out, he's normally knocking at my door within seconds of us arriving home.
My other concern is where does he go when I'm out, he's normally knocking at my door within seconds of us arriving home.
simpo two said:
And how old is the 'big' brother? Old enough to cope? Could be a 'home alone' case brewing up...
Incredibly, there is no law that states the minimum age that a child can be left alone.
However, it is an offence to leave a child alone when doing so puts them at risk. It is left to the parent's discretion to ascertain whether or not a child is responsible enough to look after him/herself.Oh dear, poor kid. If it was me I would have a quiet word with the mother, as has been pointed out, she may not be aware what is going on if his older brothers are sending him over. Sounds like your home is preferable to his, maybe he likes you so much he's hoping you'll adopt him! 
Good luck.
Good luck.
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