Canis Lupus
New member
thing is I don't suspect he's abused? I do volunteer work at our local church. We work with chidlren of all age groups. I am concerned about a little boy, whom I will call Charles (not his real name if course). Charles is 3, he as as he sees me he comes right up to me and wants to be held. I don't mind holding him, I actually like him. He is very sweet and usually quiet. First problem is that I may be helping to watch 5 or 6 chidlren and it's is hard if I am holding Charles all of the time. He cries if I set him down. He will get upset and take offf his shoes, shirt or other things to get my attention. He also speaks in 1-2 words sentences, unusual for his age....he'll take his shoes off and say "Shoes" & 'Look-look' which makes me stop whatever I am doing and redress him. When I do he puts his arms around my neck and doesn't want to be put down. His mom says he won't eat for anyone for her but if I hold him im my lap he will eat for me.
Now I know both of his parents, and I want to clear up now that I do NOT think this boy is being abused. He mother is very tentative and he cries whenever she leaves the room unless she hands him to me. His dad works many long hours and doesn't spend much time with him. He is the youngest of three chidlren & the older two seem happy and well adjusted for their age.
So my theory...could Charles feel a need for male affection as he doesn't get much from Dad and has become attached to me since I have shown some? If so should stop showing it to him because he needs to feel it from his daddy, or would that make it worse?
Remember, his dad is not a bad guy; he just works a lot and with two other kids Charles gets pushed off to the side a lot.
How would you handle this.
Porcelin Doll - Good point, how should I approach them as not to appear judgemental or condensending?
Now I know both of his parents, and I want to clear up now that I do NOT think this boy is being abused. He mother is very tentative and he cries whenever she leaves the room unless she hands him to me. His dad works many long hours and doesn't spend much time with him. He is the youngest of three chidlren & the older two seem happy and well adjusted for their age.
So my theory...could Charles feel a need for male affection as he doesn't get much from Dad and has become attached to me since I have shown some? If so should stop showing it to him because he needs to feel it from his daddy, or would that make it worse?
Remember, his dad is not a bad guy; he just works a lot and with two other kids Charles gets pushed off to the side a lot.
How would you handle this.
Porcelin Doll - Good point, how should I approach them as not to appear judgemental or condensending?