The World is Complicated

This morning, I dutifully took Sportsboy to school, when he saw one of his classmates walking with his brother. We will call the classmate and his brother, classmate: Lil' brother and the older boy: Big brother.

Sportsboy yelled, "HI "Lil' brother"."

Lil' brother: HI "Sportsboy"!

As Sportsboy was getting into our vehicle, Lil' brother yells: "Sportsboy" can we get a ride? Thankfully, Sportsboy didn't hear, and I didn't have to look like the bad guy.

It broke my heart to refuse them rides, but I had to for several reasons.

Reasons:

• I don't know Lil' and Big brothers' parents. In fact, I never saw their parents at Great School activities and events. As a classroom volunteer, I have worked with Lil' brother and it is so obvious that his parents don't work with him at home.
• I don't want that family to get used to getting "free" services without building a quality relationship.
• It is also a responsiblity and safety issue on my part. What if I get into a car accident, or the boys hurt themselves in my vehicle?

As the boys waited, I drove right by, pretending I didn't see them. I felt bad, but at the same time I am mad at their parents for not being proactive in raising their children.

One thing for sure, I am glad that Sportsboy didn't witness me having to turn down giving rides to his classmate and sibling.

The world is complicated as is...