Oh, it's going to be a *long* summer
Apparently, when I got home today and let the cats out into the back space, the boy next door said he was going to "kill the cats." I did not hear this, his sister rushed to tell me right away.
I had just stepped out to refill the cats' water bowl, and the girl was "talking," the mother was talking, and I guess the boy was making comments too. The mother got upset, I told her I hadn't heard what her son had said and she replied, "Yes, you did," and I tried to explain that no, I really didn't, it was the daughter who told me. I can't hear over everyone's babble plus traffic noise, barking dogs, etc.
In any case, I'm 98% sure the boy was just trying to push his mom's, and perhaps my, buttons. Doesn't work with me, and I told the mother this. That kid gets a rise out of her every time, and in my opinion, it's not a helpful reaction. (He'll often say something designed to provoke her, and her response will be, "Are you serious? Did you really mean that?" Bzzzzt. Wrong answer. I don't have kids and even I know it's not the best way to respond to that kind of behaviour.)
She made him apologize to me (after much shouting on his part), which he did, very grudgingly and of course not sincerely. She told me that he thinks I don't like him. (Huh. Perceptive kid.)
Anyway, I'm not overly concerned about it...A short time later he threatened to pack his bags and run away, run off to India. I called out "Bye," and "Make sure you pack lots of clean underwear," and the mother said be sure to call when you get there. That's a better response to his idiocy, IMO.
But I think it's going to be a long summer. They don't do day camps (I asked) and though I asked the little girl if they spend time with their grandparents, I couldn't get an intelligible answer. (Her clarity of speech isn't good.)
BTW, I do keep a pretty close eye on Nicki and Derry and they're only out when I'm home. So while I don't think the kid actually would do anything, I'm not stupid, either. Or trusting and naive.
Did I mention I think it's going to be a long summer?
Comments
But I still wouldn't turn my back on him.
I think it's going to be a long summer for you. so sorry, wish it wasn't so or that there was an easy fix.
Hugs hugs hugs to you and Derry and Nicki! Take care
x
Just curious though, why on earth would he want to "kill the cats"?
We wish you could move or better yet, perhaps we could all pray that THEY move?
It is quite clear the entire family needs medical and psychological help. I suspect this kid needs (as much as I detest medications) DRUGS! I feel sorry for them, but it's so hard to maintain that when they won't help themselves. Just "kick the can down the road" (which has become a very common quote here in the US) and "hope" for the best. Sad Kim and you have to deal with it.
I would keep a close vigilance though on the cats and anything odd I would not hesitate in reporting it.
xoxoxo
long hot summer indeed
I did this once (except the child was 15!)... he had been throwing stones from across the street at my cat - unaware that I was gardening near her - just out of sight...
He kept his distance from then on - as did his mother... some people you just CAN'T be friends with... XO
I am with everyone else who said "has he done this before"..."he apologized but didn't mean it"
Jeffrey Dahmer got his "start" killing animals at quite a young age. That is how most serial killers start.
He may not have complete access to your yard and you are out but you are not out every minute.....don't mean to scare you but does he have access to POISON? That is something that would not be able to be seen.
The kid makes me nervous
The cemetery is full of kids who 'threatened' to take their own life and no one took them seriously.
Noise is one thing. Threatening his mother is another because she is an adult and it is her job to protect herself, but if someone even hinted at hurting me or mine, well then there would be hell to pay. (says the woman who called animal control when a neighbors dog who ran lose often in the neighborhood came up on my deck and freaked my cats out)
Alas, but unfortunately, many parents these days equate discipline with corporal punishment (which it sounds like is happening here)...and they are definitely not the same thing.
We send you our compassion and support.
Nellie's Mom