Neighbor Kid Constantly Mean to My Son

K.,

Do you have a fenced back yard? If not bring your 4 year old in the house when YOU canit watch him. If you are paying one of the teens to babysit, then that's a different story. And as for the honor students, athlets etc....still too old for a 4 year old to hang out with. You might consider some play groups with kids his age and meeting some moms that might be interested in trading some Mommy time outs for each other.

Your own words:little gang bangers/thugs/losers
If something happened to your son, you could be turned in and arrested for child indangerment. Your little guy has NO business hanging out with this group.

Do NOT NOT NOT let him hang around kids this age. Schedule playdates with kids his own age. Make sure you get outside with him...the backyard, the local pool, park, etc. so he gets plenty of outdoor time. Make sure all scooters, bikes, toys, etc. are put away as soon as you are finished playing with them.

I think if you restrict the amount of time you are outside with these young adults and don't give them any opportunity to steal then you'll start having less problems with them.

It might be fun for him to hang out with these kids and maybe even convenient for you...he's occupied and has eyes watching him, but he is way too young. He'll start learning lessons that you do not want him learning yet. Keep him under your wing...it's better for his development and better for the situation with Little Miss Thief.

You shouldn't be letting your son hang out with this bangers/thugs/losers group (as you call it). You said he wants to hang out with them, but so what- you you're the parent. High school kids can get into some bad things (illegal things). I teach at a high school and I wouldn't let my daughter hang out with any of them. There language and conversations are way to inappropriate for any kid. They could be having a horrible influence on your son. If the 19 year old was picking on my son I would have words with her.

I second the other mom's opinion. He needs to be playing with kids his own age and not hanging around with the older kids. It's a totally different mindset.

K.,

First I wouldn't allow your son to be outside with the older kids--they are just too old for him.( Unless you are willing to be out there watching 100% of the time.) Second, the girl is 19 and is considered an adult- I would confront her and tell her that she needs to stop harassing your son or you will contact the police and take further action. Four years old is incredibly young and they are at a very impressionable age--nip it in the bud immediately! Let her mom know too or even better do it in the presence of her mother so she can't say things that you didn't say.

Good luck~

Molly

1- Read that 19 year old the riot act.

2- Make more play dates for your son with kids his own age.

3- Your 4 year old should not be outside alone with these teenagers, even the good ones. They will not be babysitting him or paying proper attention to him. He could wander off and they wouldn't know it. I would never let a four year old play outside alone, unless one of the teenagers was a trusted babysitter, paid to watch him.