DEAR CR-ABBY:
Two years ago, a couple built a home on the lot next to ours. From the time they moved in, we have been concerned about their 11-year-old son's anti-social behavior. It began with him trying to coax our dog into his yard when we were trying to call her in.
Then he started coming into our yard, playing roughly with our three small children and using vulgar language around our 8-year-old daughter. He is no longer allowed in our yard and has been kicked out of three other homes in the neighborhood. The most recent incident occurred a few days ago, when he yelled a profanity at our daughter. I called his mother, and she told me her son would "never behave that way"!
Cr-Abby, this boy is creepy. I don't trust him. He stands in his yard staring at us whenever we are outside. I'm worried his behavior will get worse. Other neighbors have seen him abuse his dog and other animals. His parents never watch him. What do we do? I'm worried about my children's safety. -- AFRAID IN WISCONSIN
Two years ago, a couple built a home on the lot next to ours. From the time they moved in, we have been concerned about their 11-year-old son's anti-social behavior. It began with him trying to coax our dog into his yard when we were trying to call her in.
Then he started coming into our yard, playing roughly with our three small children and using vulgar language around our 8-year-old daughter. He is no longer allowed in our yard and has been kicked out of three other homes in the neighborhood. The most recent incident occurred a few days ago, when he yelled a profanity at our daughter. I called his mother, and she told me her son would "never behave that way"!
Cr-Abby, this boy is creepy. I don't trust him. He stands in his yard staring at us whenever we are outside. I'm worried his behavior will get worse. Other neighbors have seen him abuse his dog and other animals. His parents never watch him. What do we do? I'm worried about my children's safety. -- AFRAID IN WISCONSIN
Dear Sick of Sid in Swedenville-West,
Cr-Abby's instinct was to jump all over this and make mean references and evil plans to help you purge the Damian child but, out of an abundance of caution I reread your letter and tried to extract out the tangible from the perceived.
He has a potty mouth, and your neighbors say he abuses his pets.
The first issue is not "life-threatening" but more reflective of an unengaged, unaware, or unwilling pair of parents. The second is a crime. If your neighbors are willing to "nut it up" then you all should call the animal control dept/police and have them engage the little brat (hopefully before his soul falls beyond redemption.
Be vigilant but not paranoid. Calling over your dog is not an evil act and perhaps you can kill this boy with kindness while the pros handle the disfunction in the home.
Cr-Abby
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