What would you have done differently? Long.

Crashing as I am a CFer, but this involves a school-age child, so I figured this would be the best board.

I'm home sick from work today and ran an errand late morning. When I got home, I noticed a young boy, alone, milling about the corner, near the mechanical gate to our parking lot. (I live in Queens, in a residential area that has apartment buildings, single-family houses and multi-family houses.) After I parked, I walked over to the boy and told him not to play near the gate because it's dangerous. Then, it dawned on me that it's a school day, so I asked where his parents were and why wasn't he in school. I thought the boy was about 8 years old.

He said he forgot his backpack at home and couldn't go to school, couldn't get into his apartment and wanted to climb through the window. I asked him if he went to the elementary school that's two blocks away and he said yes. I asked if the school or his mom or dad knew that he wasn't at school. He said no. I explained that the school would be worried that he wasn't there and offered to walk with him to school. He said no. I started to look up the phone number of the school on my phone, but then gave my phone to him and asked him to call his mother.

He called her -- she was not pleased -- and I asked him to put the phone on speaker. I explained who I was and where I found him, explaining that he said he had not gone to school. She said she was leaving work and would be home in 45 minutes.

I waited outside with him until his mom got home. She had said he was OK to stay by himself, but I had second thoughts about leaving him. Turns out he's in fifth grade, so older than I thought. His parents are not together.

Mom arrived, she thanked me and I noticed from her work clothes that I used to work at the same place.

So...my question...what would you have done differently? Called 911? Called the school? Offered to take the boy to lunch? Something else?

(I noticed that he was crossing his legs, which made me think he needed a bathroom, but I wasn't going to a) bring him to my home or b) tell him to "water the lawn.")

I can't even begin to imagine what the mom must be feeling.

What would you have done differently? Long.

I think you handled the situation perfectly. I would not offer the bathroom because as parents we tell the kids to not go anywhere with a stranger.

What would you have done differently? Long.

I think you handled it perfectly as well and as a mom would be EXTREMELY thankful that my DC was found by you and not some sicko.

I wonder though, the kid forgot his backpack and felt that he had to skip school?

Message edited 4/5/2013 6:50:59 PM.

Re: What would you have done differently? Long.

Re: What would you have done differently? Long.

You definitely did the right thing..In this day and age I would not have put him in my car or taken him to my house. I may have called the school while we were waiting for the mom but thats about it. He was lucky you cared enough to ask him what was going on

Re: What would you have done differently? Long.

Re: What would you have done differently? Long.

Re: What would you have done differently? Long.

What you did was perfect! 5th grade is still a little young to be waiting outside by himself IMO, he is very lucky that you came along.

Re: What would you have done differently? Long.

I think you handled it perfectly - and as a parent, not even this kids...THANK YOU for waiting with him.

I understand why she wouldn't want to hold you up but I wouldn't' want my kid waiting outside alone. If you had somewhere to go, I would have walked him to school & explained the situation. Missing a backpack isn't something that would be earth-shattering to them (but it would be for a kid that was told to be responsible & get themselves to school).