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Neighbour's child locked out

3 replies

openerofjars · 03/09/2012 19:28

My neighbour has firm for sending her 4yo out into our shared yard for some free babysitting when I pop out to hang a wash out etc (she did this when I was 9mo pg) without checking if I mind looking after the child, who is a nice little thing.

Today she reached a new level: she locked her child out while she had a shower. The poor thing was upset but I stayed out until my neighbour appeared at the door, drying her hair and looking puzzled. I said something along the lines of "The door was locked and [your DC] couldn't get in and was worried.". All she said was "No it wasn't" and went back inside, leaving the door open ths time. She wasn't rude or hostile, just blankly denied there was a problem.

I was a bit open-mouthed and don't know whether to go and have a word. It isn't a secure yard: three houses share it, the gate has no lock, it's in a deprived area on a busy road, and her DC is only 4 and has limited English. I don't think it's safe to just leave her to her own devices, plus the child was upset and thought that mum had gone out without her.

We're moving out in a week or two and I really don't know whether to go and have a word about today or not. WWYD?

OP posts:
mummytime · 04/09/2012 07:10

I would speak to her, and also inform her that you are moving soon so won't be available for free babysitting soon. If the child has limited English maybe it is a cultural difference? Maybe the woman doesn't realise what kind of an area it is?
If you know her HV maybe you could speak to them? Mine are very good at giving blunt subtle hints to mothers, in a very diplomatic way.

digerd · 12/09/2012 14:16

What is the HV?

hellymelly · 12/09/2012 14:20

health visitor.

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