Weird incident on DS's bus

[FreshTressa]

My son, 6 rides the bus to school with other kindergartners. It is just kindergartners from his class on the bus at the time.

Well, last week, they were 'sharing secrets' with each other. Well, one little boys secret involved a sexual act between him and his father.

I am not sure what to do. On one hand, sometimes boys just joke around and say weird things to each other. And it could have been a one time accidental thing, like they were in the shower or something and it was accidental and his parents told him to keep it a secret. I don't want to read TOO much into it. And I don't want to get involved. I mean, the mom or dad could get really mad at me and retaliate, DS has to go to school with this boy and they live in our neighborhood.

On the other hand, I don't want this boy to be suffering abuse and finally say something and then not have somebody do something about it.

I don't know the mom, I have seen her a few times. The boy seems really outgoing and friendly and has lots of friends at school. He doesn't seem to act like someone that is being abused, but of course that doesn't mean he isn't. He looks a little dirty and unkempt, but that doesn't mean anything.

I don't know what to do.. I can call the mom, tell the teacher, call CPS, or just ignore it and see if I hear anything more.

I hate that my 6 year old already has to hear about things like this!

 

[Serena]

Is there a counselor at school, or a crisis hotline you could call? In this circumstance it is hard to know what to do or say. But I tend to err on the side of safety for the kid. I really hope it is just a misunderstanding.

 

[DoeWDW]

I think you should call the school's guidance counselor. That's what they are trained for.

 

[janette]

I'd choose a school counselor first, 2nd the teacher. Saying something to the family would be out of place and give them a chance to cover their tracks before the child can be interviewed by people who can get more information . The counselor / teacher are in a better position to decide whether to call CPS. You wouldn't and shouldn't be involved more than that.

Please don't ignore it, a child doesn't know that what happens in their home isn't normal. If he has been told that it is a secret that in itself is cause for alarm.

 

[KarenC]

I agree...call the counselor or school social worker.

That's a lot of weight for you and your son to carry if it turned out to be true and you didn't say anything....

 

[Bon Bon]

I've never told this here, it's really difficult, but I really must now. I'll keep it somewhat closed, but one of my children was hurt by a family "friend." It came out at daycare when my children were telling stories with the other kids. Turns out my child's wasn't a story, it was true and it was my childs way of crying for help (didn't want to hurt me!) I thank God that this child did what yours did, and told my daycare provider. My child was also very friendly and outgoing, and luckily, the system worked for my child and allowed my child to go on with life as this monster was brought to justice. Please, please, tell someone. I agree, a school counselor would be the best bet, and possibly ask for a meeting with the school counselor and the principal together. It may be nothing, but I am a firm believer that it takes a village to raise a child, in every way. Please trust me, not saying anything if this is something will cause this child a life of pain. I'm sorry your 6yo has to learn this so early too. You should be proud that your child talks to you about such things. Best of luck, to you all.

 

[Robinrs]

This kind of thing happened to my son at 6. An 11 year old girl tried something with him at his daycare and he came home and told me all about it. The details were only what a child who'd been there would've known.

This concerns me about this child's story. A six year old with this kind of knowledge, especially with another male is cause for alarm. I would talk to a counselor and be persistant. I told the counselors in my son's school and they basically shrugged it off because the child who tried this was 11. She was 11 but taller than his mother and built!

Let us know. This stuff happens WAY too often and should never be ignored.

 

[DD2Disney]

Please from someone who knows first hand what this little boy 'might' be going through tell SOMEONE!!!!!! The school councelor is a good idea. I can't tell you how important it is!! I know it is a hard decision for you (especially since your own son has to be taken into consideration) but that little boy deserves this to be looked into.

I don't know how else to get my point across. Please we as humans need to take responsibility for the children.

 

[Serena]

There are lots of people who know first hand. Please talk to the counselor and keep us updated too if you can please.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

What concerns me is that he described a sexual act. That is cause for alarm. Definetly tell someone.

 

[disykat]

I would call CPS - you can do it annonymously. If you call the school, they are required by law to also contact CPS. Either way CPS will be involved, but you might be a little more annoymous if you call directly.

You are right that it could be a made up story - however you can't take that chance!

 

[Alice28]

Yes, call CPS (child protective services)...as a former child care professional, trust me in that you have nothing to lose by calling them and it's anonymous. Or call the guidance counselor ASAP.