A couple of years ago, when my daughter was in fourth grade; there was a girl who cornered my daughters friend in the school bathroom and said, “Take off your clothes; we’re gonna have sex”.  And when the girl looked at her and said, “Ummm NO!!” the little girl said, “C’mon…we’re gonna have to do it SOMEtime!!!”

Clearly something was NOT okay!!

Thankfully, my friends daughter was articulate and strong enough to report this to her mother.  And as a result, many of her friends found out.

Red flags were going off in minds everywhere.

I try to give the benefit of the doubt, because I know this girl has older siblings and when you are exposed to older siblings; you hear things way before you should, as a child.

But still….the concerns were out there.

Today, I was driving carpool and I saw this girl, now in 7th grade.  She was wearing black lipstick and her hair was darker.

SEVENTH GRADE…………

I asked my daughter what was up with that and she said that it was supposedly a dare.  But the dare was issued over 2 weeks ago for this girl to be wearing her black lipstick.

There are other things that I have heard about this girl, but the one thing that resonates over and over in my mind is, “WHERE ARE HER PARENTS?????”
Am I the only one who see’s red flags blowing in the wind here?

I told my daughter that I am frightened for this girl.  Yes, it could be a phase; but given her history, I think something else is up.

I try to keep my kids aware.  I am not the best parent in the world, but I don’t hide much from my kids.  (let alone the world).  When I see a problem, I state it and I explain why.

Today I felt the need to discuss “Acting out” vs “Expressing yourself”.  I don’t mind someone expressing themselves; heck I went through an Adam Ant phase and I’m sure a few others in my teen years.  However, if my parents thought I was stepping out of line, I was called to their room to have a discussion.

There is a statement that says, “Your actions are speaking so loudly, I can’t hear what you are saying!”

If you hit someone and apologize 20 times, eventually, all they have is a bruise and sad anticipation.

I’m trying so hard not to judge.  But it’s really hard when you think of the delicate soul of a child.  Every single parent I know would talk to their children about what is okay and not okay.  Do any of the teachers at school notice a difference?  Do they say anything?  CAN they say anything???

I just get so concerned.

I KNOW I am not a perfect parent.  But when my kid starts acting a little different, we start talking!!

I’m just sad to know that a child, that I have seen grow up from Kindergarten, appears to be calling out for help.  Not too subtly either…….

My question to you is…..

What do you do?  What WOULD you do?

Talk to your child to keep them aware?

Talk to the other child to see what’s up?

Talk to the other child’s parents whom you barely know?

Or walk away????

Just curious…….

I wish for all children to know; there IS someone you can trust and confide in.  You shouldn’t have to suffer.  It’s NOT okay!!!! EVER!!!