Monday, January 30, 2012

To Tell the Truth

I was put in a very awkward position today. There has been a situation in our neighborhood that everyone was aware of, except the parents of the kids involved. Actually, all of the signs were there, but the parents have been in denial. Their child has told other kids about what is going on, but the parents had no idea. Today the mother came and was talking to me about the situation. I felt that I had to just say out right what is going on. I don't know if she believed me, but I felt that as the mother, she should know. I think sometimes people don't want to know the truth, but in this case, I think it is very important. It's amazing how people make excuses for their children. They want to believe the best of them. I know blood is thicker than water, and so she may be upset at me for painting her child in a not so flattering light. But there just comes a time when you have to see the light, and hear the truth, even if it is uncomfortable. I tried to be non-judgmental, and just lay out the picture as if I were a camera. The funny thing is that I could have said more, but wasn't sure how far I should go. Sometimes people can only take just so much of the truth.

5 comments:

Grannymar said...

No parent likes to feel they have their finger off the pulse, yet they sometimes need to be told when the children are in danger.

Maria said...

You did very well. I think your attitude was totally correct.

Rummuser said...

Painful truths about oneself or one's family are very difficult to hear from others. A great deal of diplomacy is called for and as long as the message is delivered on a factual, no frills basis, there should be no problems in the relationship in the long term.

Nene said...

I'm sure she was embarrassed because, since it was her kid, she had no clue about it. Even though she may never admit it to you, I'm sure she's glad she knows about it now. Question is, will her kid try to deny it and will she believe him or you?

Inklings said...

I have done that a few times, but the person has always been mad at me afterwards and resentful, plus they wouldn't believe it. So I don't do it any more.