My friend live a fairly isolated life; we are rural, her husband works away and they moved here a year ago. She has not made many friend locally and does not work so often sees no adults face-to-face in the course of her day.
The other day we were discussing school and she mentioned that she was 'raging' about a situation with an older child who is known for being rough with the younger ones. I know of specific examples when this child has actually hurt her child and others so I am not undermining that particular situation. However, I am concerned at the 'over-reporting'.
The problem is that she is only getting the report of her 8yo, and does not see any of the interaction in theplayground, chat with the other parents or in any way seek out the views of others. Her 8yo is also prone to exaggerate so friend is upset that child is getting hurt 'every other day' when it appears it has only happened a handful of times (still needs addressing, I know...)
I suspect friend has encouraged her child to report as she has no other way of knowing what goes on, but would you completely rely on your child to give a non-biased view? Also, do you think this approach encourages attention-seeking 'tale-telling'?
Thankfully, this doesn't involve any of my children, but I have been aware of friend's child 'over-exaggerating' situations before where I have felt it might come across as petty to argue the point...perhaps I should have?!