Neighborly Advice - North Aurora,IL

Hi K.,

I WENT THROUGH THE SAME SITUATION WITH OUR "NEIGHBOR BOY".

I STARTED (NICELY) LAYING DOWN THE LAW (RULES)IN OUR HOME AND BACKYARD AND HE DIDN'T LIKE MY RULES SO HE JUST KINDA STARTED TO STOP COMING BY SO OFTEN. WHICH IS FINE WITH ME!

I NOW ENFORCE THE HOUSE RULES TO ALL, NOT JUST MY KIDS. AND, I TEACH MY KIDS TO ENFORCE OUR RULES WHEN I'M NOT PRESENT.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD KIDS KNOW WHEN THEY COME TO OUR HOUSE, THEY WILL NEED TO HELP CLEAN UP, USE MANNERS, TAKE TURNS AND SO ON.

GOOD LUCK!

I would talk to the mom and find out if anything is going on at home because the son's behavior has changed and he isn't as pleasant to your daughter as he used to be. There's no reason why you can't discuss this with the other mother. I think as long as you aren't accusing her son of anything, then she should be fine. Be prepared to give a few examples, just like you did here.

If the boy comes over, I would explain some "new rules" about being polite, and cleaning up after ones self. If he can't follow the rules, he can go home. I would also keep a close eye on both of them and limit the play time. When it's 5 minutes before he leaves, have them both pick up the toys, or crafts.

Obviously, they need more supervision until his behavior changes. As unfortunate as that is, it falls to you to do it when they're playing at your house/yard.

Have you mentioned to him that there are certain "rules" for your house, ie cleaning up when done, sharing, etc? Sometimes a gentle reminder helps. He should be familiar with some of these from school, at least.

It looks to be that he's must get his way at home and his parents need to know because somethings happening at his home and he probably gets away with it or he's not getting enough attention and it's his way of acting out to get attention.
Hope that helps,
Jennifer