I'd Like Your Opinion

 

I thnk you already answered your question.  Yes, you say something.  Call them up today and tell them that you were talking with your son and he told you that "Jonny"  felt like killing himself. I don't know if you want to make any suggestions other than maybe she should talk with him about it and go see/talk to his doctor about it.  But definitely, say something.

I think you should definitely let the parents know what their son said.  Even if they know that he makes statements like that and don't really put much stock in it.  It's my belief that when children make those type of statements -- they mean them.  And, if the parents don't take it seriously when you speak with them about it, I would take it a step further.  This boy could be making a cry for help.  Think how horrible you would feel if you did nothing and he follows through with his threat.

I'm going with the crowd on this one-- say something. God forbid he actually decided to do something and you hadn't spoken up, you know?

Absolutely, say something to the parents and since the boy trusts you perhaps you should say something to the boy.  Teach that kid there are ways to overcome this so the kids will quit picking on him and that it's NOT impossible.  He feels helpless and hopeless. I've been where he is. He needs some help, he is not joking around about this.  Trust me.

Thanks for all the advice.  I will talk to my husband tonight.  If we find out anything further I will let you know.  My husband is a very kind man with a gentleness about him, but since he is the one that is related to them I think I will have him to talk his cousin.  Even though my husband isn't overweight ,I know his cousin knows my husband nor his son  judges anyone for being overweight.  I have to give credit to my stepson, his reply to him was don't do that there are bigger people out there than you. He was very nice to this boy and is wise beyond his years.  They became great friends.  Matter of fact he is good about not judging anyone.  I was proud of him that day and the fact he did eventually come and tell me.

Brenda

 

That's a tough one.  Honestly, as politically incorrect as this may sound, I would assume the boy was just voicing how severe his frustration is with his weight and assume he wouldn't act upon his words.  I know that as an obese child growing up, I said the same thing, and never really meant it.  I never would have acted on it, but I was severely unhappy with my weight, and that's what made me say those sorts of things.

I would let it go.

I guess even if he doesn't mean it, maybe they will pay attention a little more how desperate this boy has become.  I know it isn't easy, but to me they should try and help this boy by limiting  what's in the house and encouraging him to go out and play.  You can't eat what they don't buy  and he is too young to go and buy it on his own.  They live in a small town.  He did mention that he was trying to cut down.  Maybe he does at least have some desire.  I think he tries to cover up things with making jokes to make people like him. I know the father does try to lose weight at times, but gains it back like the mother.  Both parents do seem to have an open relationship about talking with them as far as I can tell.  My fear is if they don't do something to help this boy he's going to get bigger and bigger.  If something doesn't change by the time he is an adult he may end up in some place like that Brookhaven Obesity Clinic. As an obese person myself, I feel so much for this boy.  Brenda

 

Brenda, Definitely tell his parents.  Also it might be worth it that you have your husband mention untreated sleep apnea can cause/increase feelings of depression.  The boy may just not have the energy to go out and play.  When my OSA wasn't treated I was so exhausted it was a major chore to get from my car into the house and to a chair.  If I had to go shopping after work I would calculate how many steps it would take from the car, to the items needed and back, and 9 times out of 10 I didn't go at that time.  I would have given anything to be able to function even halfway normal, but the exhaustion was so bad I was just in survival mode.  I didn't LIVE during that time, just existed.  This may or may not be the case for this boy, but it could be a contributing factor.  Also, when I was exhausted and shouldn't have been driving, I found the best thing to keep me alert was pop and eating.  Yup, it was a major sugar high and then the crash, but it kept me going.  What I should have had was a CPAP.  I went for years without treatment and it only got worse. Melinda p.s.  Please let us know how this boy is doing.  I hope his parents act and help this young one to LIVE.