Annie’s Mailbox: Foul-mouthed boy knows no better

Dear Annie: My good friend “Kathy” has an 8-year-old son, as do I. “Brian” is extremely smart, but has a sailor’s vocabulary. He also threatens other kids and says he will beat them up. Sometimes, Brian encourages other kids to hit him. Over the years, he’s been in trouble numerous times, but Kathy blames the school, saying Brian is too smart to sit still and acts up because he’s bored.

She’s right that Brian can easily do the work. However, last week I had to tell Brian that he couldn’t play with my son anymore because of his nasty tongue and the threats he made at a religious program they both attend. Brian’s response was one of confusion. He asked, “Why? What did I do?” I was shocked that he had repressed his behavior so well that he did not even acknowledge that his poor choices may have negative repercussions.

I informed him that he had a problem using language correctly.

When I returned Brian to his stepdad, the man was shocked by what I told him and expressed uncertainty of what to do when school starts. I am sad because Kathy is my friend, but I can’t have my son around a boy who clearly has no idea how to behave properly. I’ve always wanted to help Brian, but isn’t it time to write off this friendship because it could hurt my son? – Price of Friendship

Dear Price: We don’t believe Brian is repressing his behavior. We think he doesn’t realize how inappropriate he is. And since he encourages other kids to hit him, there may be more going on. It doesn’t help that his mother blames the school, giving Brian the impression that he isn’t responsible for controlling himself. Please don’t write him off. Your son sounds quite capable of being a good influence, as are you. Suggest to Brian’s parents that they get an evaluation from his doctor.