WWYD - I've got a 3 yr old in my house I don't know and doesn't know me!

[Lindax]

ok, I may be a bit more pfb that other parents, we live in a quiet cul-de-sac and I didnt let ds out to play himself until he was about 5 and he played with the 7 yr old across the other side of the cul-de-sac.

Now he is just turned 8 he is moving a bit further afield (round the corner to the swing park and the two streets joining - still away from any main roads).

He's met some more boys of varying ages and is loving playing out.

Now for the second time (first time only dh was in) he has come back with two boys age 7 and 8 to play in our garden with ds's goals. I dont know these boys, but have no problem with this as they are 7/8.

BUT, they have brought with them another (lovely, polite, confident) little boy who is only 3. From asking it appears he plays with them and stays about 2 streets away. I asked if his parents know where he is and they say they do - they told his dad.

Would you let him stay and play or go and find his parents? Do people really let their 3 yrs olds out this far into peoples houses they dont know?

Please,please contact social services to ask advice about this Lindax.

I also think it shows a degree of neglect by the 3yr olds parents.

I completely agree with TiredTits - exactly, what if they'd been in the street when the 7YO dashed off home, and not at your house? I had the impression the older kids were kind of looking out for the 3YO, even though he wasn't their sibling. Clearly not (nor should they have to, I hasten to add). This is serious.

Lindax - I think possibly you should have gone with your DS when he took the 3yo home so you could see where he lived. I think your previous idea of giving them your name and address etc. on a piece of paper was good but in reality you need to know where this child lives yourself as well, in case of emergencies if this situation ever arises again.

Perhaps tomorrow, in the daylight, you could get your DS to take you to the child's house so you can get the address; knock on the door and ask for their phone number for future reference and then you might be able to see for yourself whether there is a real concern here - I agree with the others, there IS a concern about allowing a 3yo out in the "care" of older boys - and then maybe consider calling SS about it.

Lindax, any news? Will you be doing anything?

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That is shocking!

The OP hasn't been back and I feel so worried for the three year old abd what could potentially happen.

Me too!

My 3 year old grandson and his 5 year old brother are not allowed out of the garden without an adult.However both [including 3 yr old] know their full names and addresses [house number and street] and can manage the toilet.

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