I live in an area where the children all go out and play together on a regular basis. There is one little girl though who is out in all weathers, sometimes all day in her pyjamas and with no coat; now, until it is pitch black at night. She will play with anyone who will play with her. Mum sends round her older brothers to see where she is at night. We frequently get a knock at the door by the brothers to ask if she is in our house playing. She has no idea where the little girl is.
She is six. I have lived here for two years, but this is becoming a daily occurrence.
She is well cared for, goes to school, is a sweet and lovely child. Her brothers are well mannered and lovely kids. Ive met her mum and tried to make friends with her when we moved here. She told me herself she has huge anxiety problems and doesnt cope well with other people.
She seems to latch on to different families at a time. I have taken her out and she has come into my house, even when my kids arent here, because she would like to spend time with me, as I let her do arty crafty stuff and cooking: she has made me cards that say 'I love you Mam'. I asked would you like to take that to mummy and she said no- it was for me. She asked could I be her mam.
It was a bit heartbreaking for me, because if my child made cards for another saying 'I love you mam' I'd be devastated. To me that was a red flag. She was five then.
DP and I have had a long talk about this and we dont think we have a choice but to ask someone to check the situation out. Shes staying out later and later and we feel as though we have to say something to someone.
As I said, these kids are lovely- we would not want to report this to have the children removed. Maybe she needs a helping hand.
AIBU to mention my concerns or just being a pain in the arse?