Ok…so I sounded all big and bad in my last post about putting my foot down with the neighbor kids. Well, it only lasted for about 48 hours.
I lost my resolve when the little girl was talking to my dd from the side walk (cause she couldn’t be in my yard). She told my daughter that she was going to her grandma’s for 2 weeks (yippy!!!) and that she is going to miss Madelynn. She asked if it was okay to give her a hug…it was too much to take…my heart strings were being tugged to hard…
I told them that they could play over at my house, but I set em down and laid down the law. I did not mix words and I was very clear about the behavior I expect and that if they do not want to follow my rules then they can play at their own house.
They did a great job…however, Madelynn kept asking if they could eat dinner at our house and wanted some towels for them (as they don’t have any). Okay, first of all I just let them back in my yard. Now they want dinner and towels. Ummm… no! True these kids probably don’t have any towels or food at home. True I will probably cave and get them their own set of towels for when they are at my house. True I will probably end up feeding these kids through out the summer. True I am a big softy and can not turn a child away.
I think you are a wonderful person!! These kids clearly need a positive influence and it is great that you are willing to give that to them. I think most people would turn their backs and say, “Not my problem.” We need more big softies in the world!! Thanks for sharing!
I’m a total softy too, and would probably cave as well. But, it’s good you “laid down the law” and you probably will have to keep doing it. One thing I’ve found, with kids who haven’t had many boundaries – you have to be EXTRA stern. And they will eat it up. Kids NEED boundaries, and they are likely to come to you again and again if you provide that for them. (Lucky you?)
I think you’re soft but tough. You’re doing the right thing!
hey, there are worse things. i think you’re great – they obviously need it!