My neighbor and I are very good friends, in the last year she and her boyfriend of 8 years broke up, they have 3 children. The oldest, whom I am closest to, is still taking it very hard. I've tried to talk to her mother so that she could get help but she doesn't seem to take me seriously. This little girl is deeply depressed and even having problems with her school work. She's only 7 and has the weight of the world on her shoulders, I'm the only person she trusts to talk to. How do I help her feel better about herself and become the happy child she once was?
Answers:
1. If her parents are neglecting her that you may have to go to social services. As hard as it may be, you wouldn't want the child to go through this for much longer. Age 7 to 9 are the prime developing years. If she goes through this any longer the rest of her life can and will be awful.
2. If you don;t know than maybe your not the person to be helping her?
perhaps consider a counciller or other support.
3. I think the very best thing you could tell her is "It's not your fault and I'm here if you need to talk." This situation seems very much like a divorce and kids tend to blame themselves. You could try talking to her teacher as well. Say that you don't want her mom to know that you brought it up so you save face with your friend but maybe he/she could get together with this mother and have a conference about her schoolwork and change in her behavior and see if there is anything the school could do to help. Maybe if this mom hears about it from other people besides you it will sink in more.
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