13yo standing at bus stop by Sidwell asked by stranger to watch small boy & dog for a few minutes

[Anonymous]

This was posted on a neighborhood listserv. What would you prefer your 13-year-old to do in this situation?:


Our 13 year-old son came home last night with a strange and worrisome story. He was waiting at the bus stop on Wisconsin Avenue outside Sidwell Friends after camp Monday afternoon around 3:00 PM, when a woman he didn't know approached and asked him to look after a small boy and a dog while she ran into the school building. Our son didn't quite know what to do, and agreed, staying with the child and the dog while his bus came and went. My son described the child as a blond boy of perhaps five; the dog as a very small breed; and the babysitter as "African- American. "

We've talked to our son about the tricky line between feeling bound to help someone out and needing to decline a situation that's too much for you. We were appalled that a caregiver would leave her charges with an unknown child on a major thoroughfare. As parents ourselves, we would have wanted to be aware if our caregiver had done something this potentially dangerous, so we're putting this out in hopes that the right family will see this.

[Anonymous]

The caregiver clearly has very poor judgment. I think your son, on the other hand, is a gem. What a nice thing to do. It actually scares me to think what the woman would have done if your son had refused. I am sorry he missed his bus but, he did do the right thing. I have a 12 DS, for what it is worth.

If this were my nanny (the likelihood it was a nanny is very high here) I would have a very serious round of conversations with her and then determine how to move forward. The lack of good judgment on her part is shocking.

Do you happen to know the little boy's name? I am going to call a friend who lives in Edgemore who has a young blond son and a small (white) dog.

[Anonymous]

I would have told my son that although that was very nice of him, he isn't responsible for other people's children and dog and should not watch after strangers. What would he had done if the lady never came back? How long would have been enough for him to wait? Once again, nice of him, but tell him to be cautious. Idiot lady, so no need to talk about her poor choices, it's obvious.

[Anonymous]

Talk to the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Talk to the school.

+1

And I'd tell your son that if anyone asks him to watch a child without you knowing first to decline. Give him the language to do so if needed. That's just not worth the risk.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Talk to the school.

+1

And I'd tell your son that if anyone asks him to watch a child without you knowing first to decline. Give him the language to do so if needed. That's just not worth the risk.

I agree with this. I have a 13 year old son and it never even dawned on me to talk to him about a situation like this. Who on earth leaves a small child with a complete stranger? And at a bus stop of all places!

I would definitely report this to the school ASAP. Include as many details as possible (time/date/description of the woman/what she was wearing/which door she entered, etc.).

[Anonymous]

My son is 13 also, though don't leave him waiting alone at the bus stop. Where the hell were you?
Lesson learned.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My son is 13 also, though don't leave him waiting alone at the bus stop. Where the hell were you?
Lesson learned.

Oh please! NP but My 13 year old goes to high school in a few weeks. I shouldn't have to hold hands with him anymore!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My son is 13 also, though don't leave him waiting alone at the bus stop. Where the hell were you?
Lesson learned.

Land your helicopter mom. He is thirteen years old. He doesn't need you hovering over him forever.

[Anonymous]

I don't think it was OP's kid. She said it was on a listserv.

And LOL at the idea of a 13YO not being allowed to wait at a bus stop. Jeez, lady.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My son is 13 also, though don't leave him waiting alone at the bus stop. Where the hell were you?
Lesson learned.

I really feel for your son...he's 13 years old and you don't let him out of your sight. He will not only be ridiculed because mommy doesn't let him out alone, but also be lost when he is finally allowed to go out and doesn't have a clue how to handle himself. Time to cut the strings and give him some freedom.

[Anonymous]

Ok whatever, you will be the one crying when something happens.

Oh and look at his judgement today, he missed his bus because he couldnt stand up for himself. Thank goodness that was not a kidnapper.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My son is 13 also, though don't leave him waiting alone at the bus stop. Where the hell were you?
Lesson learned.

Oh please! NP but My 13 year old goes to high school in a few weeks. I shouldn't have to hold hands with him anymore!

So does one but this 13 year old displayed poor judgement.

[Anonymous]

I meant so does MINE

[Anonymous]

I think the 13 year old did the right thing. The caregiver is irresponsible and lucky the 13 year old was a good kid and not some psycho.