ChatterBank0 min ago
What do you make of this?
45 Answers
My wife has a friend who she visits 2 or 3 times a year. Her friend has a 13 yr old son who'll be 14 in August. He's a really big lad growing up fast. In fact he's just bought an electric razor, so you see what I mean! However, his mother still baths him, puts his pyjamas on him and puts him to bed. I would have thought this would be embarrassing for him, but this happens every night. At least it does when my wife stays there. Why does his mother insist on doing this? My wife daren't say anything as she doesn't think it's her place to but surely this can't be right can it? I would have thought his mother might be embarrassed too but apparrently not. Why can't she leave him to it now? What do you think?
Answers
Best Answer
No best answer has yet been selected by Calvados. Once a best answer has been selected, it will be shown here.
For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.
My view is that she's been doing this for at least six years too long. I would have been mortified if my parents had seen me in the bath past about age nine. She is growing BIG problems for him with looking after himself in later life - kids have to learn how to fend for themselves. Are they on their own together, does she depend on his needs overmuch?
It's a very sad reflection but if it was the dad bathing an 13-year-old daughter, people would probably think there might be a child protection issue. I do not suggest at all (believe me) that this is the case here, but I can't understand the son still letting her do it. Most boys his age don't wear pj's either! Is he unwell or anything like that?
She does seem over-protective of him at times. He has a rare blood dis-order that has baffled specialist for years, and still does. They don't know why his blood behaves as it does. He is one of only 8 people in the world with this problem and none have them have been cured yet despite years of medical investigations. It may be that she wants to keep checking as her son might not be so forthcoming with anything about his condition. I don't know. Am I trying to make excuses for her?
Well if he has had a lot of ill health, that could explain her overprotection. However it is still not on to continue with this, if she needs to check for say bruising or rashes that could be done after he has bathed himself.
If she were my friend I would politely enquire why she does it and hope she understood.
M
If she were my friend I would politely enquire why she does it and hope she understood.
M
I think it's very odd. Being proective because of hishealth should not excuse this behaviour. Is there a dad around? Does the young man accept her behaviour - and expect it? Could your wife find a way to delicately ask what's going on e.g. sort-of jokey style? I would feel ultra uncomfortable if I saw this.
He does seem to accept it. I've been trying to think of reasons why he would do so. And wonder why he lets it happen instead of just saying he doesn't want any help now thanks.
I honestly don't think there is anything improper going on, other than she baths him. Some will say that is improper behaviour enough where a 13 yr old is concerened but knowing his mum, I'm certain there is no wrong motive.
Even so, it's something that sort of.... makes you wonder doesn't it?
I honestly don't think there is anything improper going on, other than she baths him. Some will say that is improper behaviour enough where a 13 yr old is concerened but knowing his mum, I'm certain there is no wrong motive.
Even so, it's something that sort of.... makes you wonder doesn't it?
