What would YOU do? Random kid knocked on my door...

[probablythemostrandomAIBUever]

I want to know what other parents would do, because I've never dealt with this before in my 12 years of parenting!

today a random kid knocked on my door, asking a random question and as I was answering him my DS6 came out and said hello.
Random kid then said he was nearly 9 and wanted to make friends with DS6. So they stand and chat at the door, random kid doesn't really know what to say to ds6 as he has immature social skills so he's a bit younger than his age (suspected autism).
Random kid then discloses something not nice about his parents. (Which is worrying!)

Then random kid asks to come in and play.
I said not tonight (trying to be kind!)
And he says okay I'll come knock for DS tomorrow.

Never met this kid. Doesn't go to my kids school.
No idea who his parents are or why he's out at 8pm. Not comfortable having a random kid in my house who I don't know from Adam, or his parents.
What do I do if he returns?
DS6 isn't allowed out to play as no street smarts and I don't want a random kid in my house. Or am I being a overly paranoid mum?

I agree with all of this.

Doesn’t ask kids name
learns from god knows where he’s rough with other kids
discloses something worrying
More worried over his bike
lovely not!!
poor kid.

another poster wouldn’t answer the door which is complete bollocks of course you bloody would.

Someone’s job sees 8/9 year dysfunctional one yes in your job not in actual day to day life as in yours, bet it isn’t many.

mumsnet never fails to amaze me.

And never falls to amaze me the low standard and sarky of synopsis on mn

Maybe the bike being left outside the front is a tag on your property?
He might seem innocent but he may have older children or even adults sending him out to eye up potential homes to commit crimes at.

@Tigerbus is that a thing? Blimey that’s scary.

Bit of an expensive way to tag properties…

God I hope not. There’s been one here all afternoon. I forgot about it after dinner and didn’t ask DD who’s it was. Although there’s been one outside next door for weeks, so there’s that. Better go and see if it’s still there and take it on for safekeeping!

Glad you are saying no.

@probablythemostrandomAIBUever I'm sorry but an 8yr old knocking on random doors at 8pm.... Come on! How can you say that's not abusive? Neglect IS abuse

⬆️ THIS THIS THIS THIS THIS THIS THIS!!!!!!!!!!! ⬆️

👏🏻

Me too. I've got tears tickling below my eyes. I have a 7yr old

@KatherineJaneway Are you SERIOUS???? What if the child was escaping an abductor or was being followed by someone and was trying to get to a place of safety??? Are you one of these people who thinks because it hasn't happened to you directly, that it doesn't happen or is super rare? I can tell you from experience it really isn't, sadly

It’s not a competition to see who is most moved, who has most tear stained cheeks

If he back during daytime tomorrow I would let him in but sit and supervise him playing with son or have them both in garden. I'd give him a drink and snack and allow him play for about 1 1/2 hours then gently send him home. If your son can't play put them it might be nice for him to have someone to play with. My Mum used to let a girl into our home who was in my younger sister's class, who was not really friendly with my sister, she would knock and ask to come in and Mum would let her sit in kitchen in warm sometimes. My Mum was a great cook and used to give her little home made cakes or jam tarts and a hot chocolate. Mum used to give her our old comics to read too. This girl lived at a children's home and my Mum felt sorry for her. Years after she grew up and had a couple of kids she sometimes used to pop in and visit my Mum as Mum got older. Mum used to say she just needed a bit of attention and affection, someone to show an interest in her.

Yes to this. He is lonely and vulnerable. Please think of a way you can help

So you've magically discovered who he is, his welfare, personality and the like within a couple hours of posting, have you? Coincidentally after several have said how awful it is for this poor child.
If you don't want to help, at least own it. Don't pretend you're absolutely certain he's in no danger.
Kids that aren't in danger don't knock on people they don't knows doors at 8pm, saying awful things about their parents.

That poor, poor boy.
Let's hope if your son ever needs help, someone will help him.

Tell them your child is too young to play and close the door. I honestly am in shock you even spoke to them and then let them speak to your child. They could be anyone and have done anything, even at a young age.

Also report it to the police so they can investigate. That's not normal.

He sounds vulnerable OP you 100% need to report this incident, do not wash your hands of this child. He has displayed a red flag concerning safeguarding even if you velieve he is doing it for attention and being rough, it needs flagging with an authority.

Ignoring this is not putting your child's needs or safety first, it is putting your comfort in an uncomfortable situation first. Please help this child.

This was my first thought tbh. I'm surprised you're the first to bring it up.

Dependant on what he said I'd suggest ringing 101 for a welfare check. I wouldn't let him in either but I would try to find more out maybe talk to neighbours see if they've seen him about or know anything about him

Please can people stop suggesting that OP allow him to play with her son? He's 6. He's not a saviour for this unknown. If I was in this situation I would shut that idea down completely. I think some of you live very charmed lives if you don't think 8/9 year olds can be a risk to youngsters. No doubt caused by a dysfunctional upbringing but that's not on OP to resolve. As I said in my earlier post if you have concerns you could try to extrapolate further details about the school.

Op so much of this thread would have been saved if you’d told us the worrying thing about the parents-was it worrying because it meant they were awful to him or just that they were different to you? If it was awful to him I probably would have brought him to the police, if other I’d have brought him home (by figuring out with the child) 6 is too young for 8 or 9 but do still remember 8 or 9 is too young to be knocking on doors and that’s more the issue. As someone said his parents don’t know he’s okay firstly and secondly he could go to a house where he’s not okay.

And all the people saying they’re so disappointed, sometimes you don’t react the way you should because you panic, doesn’t mean society doesn’t care

@Northernsoullover this! This is exactly how I feel...

OP this could be a cry for help or support.
As part of your neuro diversity do you struggle to read situations or empathise? You don't sound at all concerned about why a child is doing this.... more that he is too 'rough' to play with your son

This a child. Find out his school and ring them at the very least.