Friend of My Son's Arrested

[Janet]

News story http://www.ftimes.com/main.asp?Searc...tionID=244&S=1

Above is the story of a neighbor and former friend of my son's. He just lives around the corner from us. When this young man was in the 3rd grade he called my son (they both sat together on the bus since kindergarten) on the phone. I told Brad that Ricky was busy and I would have him call him back. I personally don't think 3rd graders should be spending time on the phone, but would let Ricky talk for a few minutes. When Ricky didn't call him back, this kid yelled at me when I answered the phone saying "why didn't you tell him to call me back." Needless to say I told this kid never to call our house again unless it pertained to riding the bus.

I also talked with his parents about it. No kid is going to talk to me like that and think it's an okay thing. My son was also not allowed to sit with him on the bus any more after that.

As they grew older, I did let Ricky work on school projects with him, but he was not allowed to have him as a 'great' friend...just wasn't going to happen. I just had a feeling about this kid.

For the last two years...this blonde headed boy dyed his hair black and went "Gothic"...looked like the devils child if you know what I mean and he was doing some drugs, to what extent I don't know. Anyway..toward the end of last year, he started dressing and acting like a normal human being again. I thought he was beginning to change for the better. Now this and it looks like he was involved in other crimes too.

I feel so bad for his parents. What does one say to them if we were to see each other? Except to say that we're sorry they are going through this.

I'm so glad I kept a tight rein on my son...still do. My older brother always told me I was too hard on him, but my reply to my brother was.."oh let him do what he wants, when he wants and let him talk to me like crap like your daughters do you???? No thanks...I've learned what not to do by watching you."

I may have been a little too tight on the reins at times, but I think kids need that. This boy's mother gave him anything and everything he wanted. I made my son earn things so he could learn pride. I'm sorry to go on and on, but I am so diappointed in Brad, his parents and this whole situation. He's a straight A student, now he has a felony record.

[katcarasella]

Janet, I totally agree with you!!!!!

"I may have been a little too tight on the reins at times, but I think kids need that. This boy's mother gave him anything and everything he wanted. I made my son earn things so he could learn pride. I'm sorry to go on and on, but I am so diappointed in Brad, his parents and this whole situation. He's a straight A student, now he has a felony record"

What a shame, so young!!!!!

[Tink]

Good for you Janet. Had you taken a different approach your son might well have taken a different path as well.

[teri88]

As a "tight reign" parent myself I know it's not always easy. My son never has had the freedom some of his friends have. He still has an 11 pm curfew on weekends and 10 on school nights, at almost 18. It's not easy being the only parent who demands respect. But, it's sure worth it, isn't it? As for what to say to the parents, I'd just say "sorry to hear about your trouble. I'm here if you need anything". I'm sure they are mortified. What a shame he has put them through this.

I think if I was the councilman, I'd be a bit upset tht the paper printed he was in Spiderman boxer shorts tee hee

[DianaB]

I think that as mother's we have to listen to our intuition and yours was speaking loud and clear to you about this boy! You had every right to be concerned and did a good job of steering your son clear of trouble. You're to be applauded for your efforts!!

[Mandy]

Janet, dont feel bad for being tight on the reins, that way we teach the kids to have respect for others, ive never been able to understand how parents can let "kids do as they please" they need rules, routine, and know they can come to us with anything thats bothering them.
I believe, by being a "in control" parent myself, the kids will only benifit from this kind of upbringing later on.
They need to learn responsibility at an early age, or else they will never learn it!

[HALEY]

Janet don't feel bad, i'm starting Micah early, he knows if he acts up when i take him out we go home! or when were over other peoples house he does not jump on furniture period! i am going to be strict with him like my mother was with me, and if that means loosing some "bad friends" on the way then so be it.. I love him too much to let him turn bad on me, my mother always told us "you reap what you sow" ... I think your a wonderful mother and did the right thing at the right time!

[Marilyn]

Janet, you are doing a wonderful job!!! You definitely did the right thing in this case. I do feel for those parents. What a shame things did not turn out differently for them, but so glad Rick was not allowed much time with the son.

[judy]

God Bless you Janet. You have worked hard and have helped to bring a wonderful young man into the world.

We are sorely in need of parents like you, and young people like Ricky.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.

[Janet]

Thanks all, I wasn't really looking for any praise, I just wanted to give you a little background on this young man. How he talked to me on the phone when he was in 3rd grade is how he talked to his parents all the time.

I don't know if many of you ever watch, but I just love Jon & Kate plus 8. I think they are wonderful parents and they are in their 20's. They must have had great role models for parents themselvels.

[Shada]

To think that these two walked right in and went thru things.. to go into a house probably knowing owners were home and to end up in their bedoom!!! That is beyond scary. I wonder if they planned an attack on the owners? This could have been a deadly outcome.

My doors are locked all the time, Habit I got in years ago. Although if they wanted in bad enough that would not stop them.

I love Jon and Kate! I think they are doing a fantastic job. Watch it alot.

[Janet]

I'm not home alone a lot, only when the guys are camping with Scouts, but my 38 is right handy. I pity the person that breaks into my house and doesn't let me know who they are. It also helps having a burglar alarm in all 5 dogs....LOLOL. They'd be barking way before anyone could get in.

[judy]

Originally Posted by Janet

I'm not home alone a lot, only when the guys are camping with Scouts, but my 38 is right handy. I pity the person that breaks into my house and doesn't let me know who they are. It also helps having a burglar alarm in all 5 dogs....LOLOL. They'd be barking way before anyone could get in.

I would hate to be on the other end of that 38 Janet! You can be quite fierce when you have to.

Does this mean that since I'm going to be a country girl, I have to buy a shotgun and kick back on my deck with a cowgirl hat and boots waiting for them varmints?

[Janet]

I don't think ya have to be a cowgirl Judy. I've shot archery since I was probably 9-10 years old and when I got a few years older I was taught to shoot rifles and shot guns. I love my S & W 38 and I'm a darn good shot too! I'm not really talented in a lot of ways, but this I'm good at.