Quote From: jettavSounds like you really care for this kid and that is to be admired. Coming froma n abusive and disfunctional home myself, I undersatand a little about what this child may be thinking. In all honesty, I think you should just try to be there as much as you can and be nice and caring towards him. Maybe you can be like a big brother to him and invite him to a ball game or something that he is interested in. Befriend him and compliment him when you can. Talking to your A.M. could cause a little bit of a problem even if it is just some insecurities or may build some tension in her. Maybe you can approach her and talk to her about playing a role in his life and offering to babysit and do things with him,This way, you will come in contact with him and get to know him. Be an encourager and help him with his homework, I know with my self, I had some great mentors as a teen ager and if it were not for them, I am not so sure where Iwould be right now. Be a positive influence in his life, be honest but caring as well. And in time, he will thank you for it. Don't expect anything in return as it sounds like he needs some self esteem built up and all, just be his friend and be there for him. It will be better then risking your relationship with your A.M. and it will be worth it.
Thank you that has helped me out a great deal. Being the youngest person in my family (literally I'm the only teen in my family lol) I guess I feel an older brother mentality towards him ya know ? Like I said he is a good kid he just needs someone to help build that up.
I've complimented & praised him on various occasions due to things like what he might happen to be wearing at the time or (in the case of when he was in during the Summer Holiday) if he has helped me around the store. When I saw him after his first week back at school he told me he had avoided getting into a fight & I praised him for that too. Yet it seems he's been getting into trouble at school again.
I've been considering offering to babysit actually. As both my A.M. & her Mother work on a regular basis I was going to offer but I didn't know if that might be taken the wrong way too ( yes I think into things too much ^^; ). What do you think would be the best way to bring up the idea ?
I know I shouldn't expect anything in return I just feel like he needs someone to be there for him and be a strong male rolemodel (no offence ladies) as he doesn't really have what I would call a stable Father figure.
Thing is - he has asked me about my family on a number of occasions and each time has said "Do you live with your Dad ?". I feel abit uneasy talking to him about my family as both my parents are thankfully still together & he always seems to say 'with your Dad' & not 'with your Mum & Dad'.
Anyway I'm rambling again lol Thanks once again ^_^
- Rick -
