Sticking my Nose where it doesn't belong

[lisellecae]

I have tenants who live upstairs.  It's a mother and her 12-year old boy.  They think of us down here as part of their family.  The mother, unfortunately, is clearly an alcoholic.

Comments

[pandoramianche]

When my mom's drinking got that bad, one of my frustrations was feeling that no one believed me. She got up and went to work most days, so friends would say she wasn't an alcoholic, she was just relaxing in the evenings (to the point of passing out everynight and needing her 13 year old to put her to bed). So, he might appreciate your telling him you know that her drinking can be hard on him. He might also appreciate the offer of a ride to school when she doesn't get up in the morning. I remember being scared when mom was still drunk but insisted on driving in the morning because i was underage (that was why i got my license at 15). good luck. i hope they get through it soon.

[fuzzy_queen]

Yes, I agree. Letting him know that you'll give him a ride when his mom is drunk can be greatly stress relieving. I worried about that a lot.

Beyond it, it's your business if there an underage person being neglected or missing school because of his parent's drug/drinking habits.

I've run into landlords out here that won't rent to "drinkers."

When she stops paying on time or damaging your property it *really* becomes your business.

[lisellecae]

Thanks for the advice - and being so honest. Sadly, I think Al likes it when she doesn't get up to take him to school. He likes not going.