There is a child in DS~2's class who seems to have the run of the streets and park at all hours of the day and night. Alone. Sometimes when DD or DS#1 have taken DS#2 to the park this child tags along and comes in to our house. First time this happened we were so concerned about him going out in the dusk that DH wanted to take him home but the boy ran off into the park again. Clearly the mother doesn't mind. He often seems to be with another boy that is always in trouble.
DS#1 came back from the half-pipe in the park on Friday night spitting feathers about his boy. He and his friend has been throwing stones at DS and his friends - shouting and swearing. DS told him to stop and said that he wouldn't be able to come to DS#2's party the day after if he didn't stop Not his business to say that clearly but he was fed up with being sworn at.
So we are waiting for all the guests to turn up the next day, this lad comes along with his mother looking worried. His mum had a word with me telling me that her son was a bit nervous of coming to the party because of what DS#1 had said. I reassured him and he came in. DS#1 went and made up with the lad and within about 5 mins he was beating DS#1 with balloons along with all the other kids (DS#1 always ends up being the party clown for some reason )
Mum obviously thought that DS#1 has been a big nasty bully to her son. Should I disabuse her? Is it my place to tell her the boy is getting himself into trouble? She seems to be struggling with her kids and if she isn't bothered about her son running about the place, is it my place to tell her that perhaps she should be?