How is it that the moms who are home over the summer, or not working/working from home for that matter, become the caregivers/ supervisors of the neighborhood kids who are left behind? I had about eight kids today and only two were mine! I am disabled, I live with a chronic pain condition, in major pain every moment, and cannot do what I used to do only four years ago. But my neighbors, their kids, and my kids' friends don't seem to remember that. My girls go outside to play and the next thing I know we have a whole yard full. And of course, at lunch time, no one has any idea what they could eat at home, some can't even get into their homes! I can't let kids go hungry, but I don't have money coming out of my ears! I wound up taking seven kids to the pool in our neighborhood today just so I could get some peace. These kids even bring towels, bathing suits and change for candy if I will go there. I work very hard at being a responsible mom. I like knowing where my kids are and who they are playing with. But that doesn't mean I want to be responsible for everyone's kids. No one asks anymore, because now I say no, they just leave. And the kids know that they can come here if they are hungry, or bored, or lonely, because I will not turn them away. I know that bored kids start trouble, especially at middle school age. It isn't their fault that at ten, eleven and twelve they are alone all day. So here's the deal. I am getting burnt out really fast trying to deal with pain, my own families' needs, and all these wayward kids. Should I start turning them away, or should I just try to plod through the summer? Please feel free to share your thoughts or feeling, or even experiences.
OH Hell NO! I live with Chronic Pain myself for the last 3 years. If you have a hard time turning these kids down as I would too. I would sit down and write a letter to each of their parents and explain your situation. If you write a letter you can get everything out and without the interruptions or emotions. I would tell them the your situation and stay away from accusatory words. Keep it short and to the facts about your situation. If it still continues after that I would let these kids know your situation they are old enough to understand. My 3 year old understands that I can't do everything she wants and she helps me out all the time. If these kids don't understand or ignore your situation they are old enough to send home or find another house to beg from.
How is it that the moms who are home over the summer, or not working/working from home for that matter, become the caregivers/ supervisors of the neighborhood kids who are left behind? I had about eight kids today and only two were mine! I am disabled, I live with a chronic pain condition, in major pain every moment, and cannot do what I used to do only four years ago. But my neighbors, their kids, and my kids' friends don't seem to remember that. My girls go outside to play and the next thing I know we have a whole yard full. And of course, at lunch time, no one has any idea what they could eat at home, some can't even get into their homes! I can't let kids go hungry, but I don't have money coming out of my ears! I wound up taking seven kids to the pool in our neighborhood today just so I could get some peace. These kids even bring towels, bathing suits and change for candy if I will go there. I work very hard at being a responsible mom. I like knowing where my kids are and who they are playing with. But that doesn't mean I want to be responsible for everyone's kids. No one asks anymore, because now I say no, they just leave. And the kids know that they can come here if they are hungry, or bored, or lonely, because I will not turn them away. I know that bored kids start trouble, especially at middle school age. It isn't their fault that at ten, eleven and twelve they are alone all day. So here's the deal. I am getting burnt out really fast trying to deal with pain, my own families' needs, and all these wayward kids. Should I start turning them away, or should I just try to plod through the summer? Please feel free to share your thoughts or feeling, or even experiences.
Happy Summer!
michelle