So I overheard this conversation:

younger sibling to older sibling: "I have a friend who is real unhappy. They don't like who they are or anything about their life. They want to leave and go some where else and start a different life. They asked me what I thought and I did not know what to say. What should I have told them? Should I tell my teacher or mom?"

older sibling to younger sibling: "Do you like them as a person?"

younger sibling: "yes."

older sibling: "Then mabe you should tell them how you feel about them and that you would be sad if they were not around."

younger sibling: "Oh. I did not think about that. I will do that. But what if they dont listen and still want to leave? If I dont tell someone and they really leave, want it be my fault?"

older sibling: "Maybe the person just needs to be told that they do matter to people, including you, and you would be real sad if they were not around. Maybe you should ask them what exactly is making them sad and try to help them or get them to ask someone who can help to help them. I guess if even after you talk to them and they still seem set on leaving, then yes you should tell an adult."

younger sibling: "Ok."

Now what am I suppose to do as a mother? They were having a private chat that I, without them being aware, overheard. Do I confront them and demand them to tell me who the child is so I can make sure the proper people are told?

What I would do is ask them if there is anything that they would like to talk to you about. If they say no then leave it for awhile. Then on another occasion ask the younger sibling, "how was your day at school? did you have a good day?" If she doesnt tell you then I would be honest with the other sibling and tell her you overheard the conversation and thought she answered the younger siblings questions very well and with mature answers however, you are concerned for the child and feel that the childs parent should know what is going on. Whew! That was a lot. As a parent of 3 kids, that is what I would do. :)
» kkama67 on 2006-12-02 01:49:17

I guess you should wait until they come and tell about the person.
» Nuttz on 2006-12-02 01:49:37

i pretty much agree with kkama67
be sure to check back often enough so that nothing happens when you aren't looking
» TheArchive on 2006-12-02 03:25:31

oh, yeah
everything i put in TheArhive is by me, unless it says otherwise.
» middaymoon on 2006-12-02 03:30:20

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