Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Other subjects
Original poster

What would you think/assume/do if you saw a parent from your child's school begging?

28 replies

grimupnorth · 22/11/2008 20:15

Just out of interest really. Is it a cause for concern do you think, or nobody's business but their own?

OP posts:
brimfull · 22/11/2008 20:18

do you mean sitting on the street begging?

Original poster
grimupnorth · 22/11/2008 20:19

Well, more busking - sat on the street with a dog and a blanket, playing the penny whistle with a hat on the pavement.

OP posts:
brimfull · 22/11/2008 20:22

that's the credit crunch for you

I think it's nobody's business but their own tbh.

Nothing wrong with busking.

lunavix · 22/11/2008 20:23

lol @ that's the credit crunch

As long as they didn't look specifically homeless, then none of your business.

Earlybird · 22/11/2008 20:27

I'd assume they are in need of help.

Does the parent know you saw them? Are you in a position to help - with either a meal or money? Pass children's clothes along?

Goober · 22/11/2008 20:32

Well, I'd think myself lucky that I didn't need to.

moondog · 22/11/2008 20:32

I would do a hornpipe to the tune.

hercules1 · 22/11/2008 20:33

Busking is not begging

Original poster
grimupnorth · 22/11/2008 21:26

I just wondered if it was something you'd worry about - seems not

I saw one of the dad's from school doing this today - I assume he is unemployed as he often takes his dc to school and pickes them up. But then surely they would be getting benefits? Just made me a bit thats all. I don't know exactly why, it just seemed a bit depressing and I hope none of his dc get teased in school for it.

OP posts:
hester · 22/11/2008 21:29

Well, was it busking or begging? Because I do think there's (often) quite a big difference. The former indicates a bit of a free spirit who loves sharing her music, the latter - something quite different.

Earlybird · 22/11/2008 21:29

Personally, I think there are some very odd replies on this thread. If I saw someone I knew begging/busking, I would try to help if I could, but maybe I'm a compassionate softie.

Original poster
grimupnorth · 22/11/2008 21:33

It was busking I suppose but not in a very 'professional' looking way - there are buskers who play guitar/panpipes in town who look smart and sell CDs, but he was just looking like a homeless person. He was playing his whistle but sat on the pavement with a blanket.

OP posts:
cupsoftea · 22/11/2008 21:36

If begging - I'd contact the school as I'd be concerned about their living conditions & if they had enough to eat. They might be entitled to some help & job training.

hester · 22/11/2008 21:37

Well then, I do think it's a cause for concern. But I'm a bit stumped as to what you could do about it. How well do you know this parent? Any other reason do feel concerned for her and her family?

Doobydoo · 22/11/2008 21:38

Crikey cupsoftea.Not everyone who is jobless needs job training.Some,as I am sure you know are well trained in lots of things.

Doobydoo · 22/11/2008 21:38

And what Hester said....

Earlybird · 22/11/2008 21:39

As I said earlier, I'd take them supper. Also think the suggestion of checking with the school is a good one - maybe there is some help that can be offered? Dd's school has a 'care and concern' committee that offers practical help to those in need.

Original poster
grimupnorth · 22/11/2008 21:44

It was a dad from school, and I don't really know him. He is very recognisable though with several piercings and long hair which is why I noticed him. I don;t see the mum at school very often, its usually the dad who takes and fetches them. The childern (there are two, both boys, I think 7 and 9) are always clean and dressed and don't look malnourished or anything. I think maybe (from gossip though so not reliable) they were travelers who have been housed locally for some reason.

OP posts:
barbarianoftheuniverse · 22/11/2008 22:36

My BIL busks from time to time. DS plans to do the same. Have friends who paid for part of their holiday busking in the same way. So I think you should just add your twopence and smile.
(It is a lot nice when you are busking, I am told, if people stay and listen to a few bars).

barbarianoftheuniverse · 22/11/2008 22:40

'nicer' I meant to say.
"A lot nicer."

PeaMcLean · 22/11/2008 22:43

I'd probably make a mental note of their musicianship

skramble · 22/11/2008 22:49

Why would you be concerned, he was busking hopfully eraning a bit of cash for his efforts, I try to always give a few coins to buskers as they are making an effort. Don't give to the usual beggers I see as they have mobile phones and better trainers than me.

jimjamshaslefttheyurt · 22/11/2008 22:57

I've been pondering busking - more fun than selling on ebay. Although musical skills are too rusty I think so didn't ponder for very long. Never occurred to me someone would think it was begging!

lisad123 · 22/11/2008 23:10

i wouold be a little worried about why he has taken to begging, and if they are getting all the help they need. I would mention it to the school tbh, they might be able to offer some help.
I work with some travelling families and most would be way to proud to be begging on the street, but then again its taken years for them to trust any of us.

However, Im a sucker who always buys the homeless man in town a tea and some cake, i never give money. I also love the buskers in London, some of them are sooo good

GinghamRibbon · 22/11/2008 23:14

If someone is making music and putting a hat down. Why not? It's the same as someone playing a piano in a pub (not that there are any left now the anti smoking nazis took over) and getting paid for it. Perhaps he used to work in one of those pubs.