Apparently, I'm a bad influence

@Theresaaiza (10487)
Australia
February 26, 2018 5:34am CST
Recently, I'm becoming close to my partner's 11 year old cousin. Because he is one of the younger ones, the older cousins like to pick on him for being too hooked on his iPad games, or too picky with food. Lately I've been hanging out at their place because it's summer and they have a pool. His mom and dad said I can use the pool anytime. This kid started swimming with me because his dad (the cooler parent) wants him to exercise a bit as he is becoming a little bit on the chubby side. The boy opened up to me how lonely he was. Parents always pushing him to stay focused on studies but not getting enough attention, or bonding, or recreation as family. Both parents are busy with work and business. His only sister also moved out due to a family conflict. Boy can hardly focus, always distracted with iPad games. So one day, I decided to motivate him to do his homework to which he obliged. Also tried to teach him how to cook. But apparently, his parents started to mind my presence - saying I was distracting him from his studies. Suffice it to say, I am not going back there anymore. Shame, cause he really turned out to be a very sweet kid. Why do some people always see bad in you, even if you're there with all good intentions?
3 people like this
4 responses
@hereandthere (45651)
• Philippines
26 Feb 18
you were actually a positive influence to him. when he comes home from school, are his parents there?
@Theresaaiza (10487)
• Australia
26 Feb 18
yes cause he is 11 and should not be left alone. but parents argue all the time, busy with work and business, the only sister left but when she is around, they only bicker a lot. the child has become in too deep with games maybe as an escape. he is actually very smart, very sweet and he is respectful to me. but he is rude to everyone else.so sometimes we tell him off.
1 person likes this
@Theresaaiza (10487)
• Australia
28 Feb 18
@hereandthere I don't dare question their parenting style. But the poor kid needs social interaction - not just studies or iPad games all day. See, they want him to focus on his studies but buys him an iPad when they know he will only most likely be distracted by it.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
27 Feb 18
@Theresaaiza it's a sad situation. i understand wanting to give your children a better life, but sometimes things get lost along the way.
@yanzalong (18984)
• Indonesia
27 Feb 18
People like this are everywhere. I come across these kinds of people too. What we can do is remain good to them.
@Theresaaiza (10487)
• Australia
28 Feb 18
Yeah, I am like that anyway. I am almost too nice for my own good.
1 person likes this
@Morleyhunt (21737)
• Canada
26 Feb 18
It sounds like this boy could use some extra attention. Is there some way you can still give him some of the confidence he needs to build?
@Theresaaiza (10487)
• Australia
26 Feb 18
the only way now is to maybe keep checking on him through facebook and sitting next to him on social occasions.
1 person likes this
• Northampton, England
26 Feb 18
Behave youn glady
@Theresaaiza (10487)
• Australia
26 Feb 18
no bad bone in me I swear