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Slightly concerning comments from visiting child

5 replies

AhBiscuits · 18/08/2025 20:47

My neighbour is a bit of a deadbeat dad. His 5 year old son stays with him every other weekend, but actually spends almost the entire time at my house playing with my son. He just knocks at the door and his dad might come round and check he's here about 3 hours later. I don't mind, he's no trouble.
I do worry a bit about him though. He's likely autistic, he's awaiting assessment. He'll just come out with little comments about his home life that concern me. He has a 2 year old sister but different dad so I haven't seen her.
He was playing quietly the other day, I could tell his brain was whirring and he said
"Everyone cries sometimes don't they? My mum cries quite a lot when we're being nightmares."
Once he saw me taking paracetamol and asked me what it was for. He said his mum gets headaches and sometimes stays in bed for the entire day. I asked him who looks after him and his sister and he laughed and said that the TV looks after them.

There's lots of things like that. Would you say anything to anyone? I don't know anything about his mum or what support she might already have in place. I don't want to stick my nose in, but it does sound like she may be struggling.

OP posts:
TomeTome · 18/08/2025 20:51

Find out which school he goes to and phone the safeguarding lead (ask at reception) and repeat what you’ve heard. They will know what to do.

TheGoldoffEternal · 18/08/2025 20:59

I have compassion on his mum, though , if what he's saying it's true. Many mums of nd kids who are nightmares probably do cry. And sleep if they are very ill. But anyway

Secretsquirels · 19/08/2025 05:59

I think that you should definitely call.

Its not just the child’s comments, it’s also the fact that he’s spending almost all of his limited time with his father with someone else.

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HiCandles · 19/08/2025 06:03

I think a safeguarding referral to social care should be made. You can call and do it. Or find out his school, write down literally everything you can remember and pass it to them. It does sound concerning.

AhBiscuits · 19/08/2025 08:44

I do know which school he goes to so could get in contact with them and just relay the things he's said.

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