[Penny]

I have been in your situation. I take care of my 10 year old granddaughter, who has several friends in my neighborhood, most of them are welcome in my house and yard. One little girl, who is really too old to be playing with Emily and her friends, is rude and disrespectful to me, and I caught her taking some of my things. I am a softy, thought I could talk to this girl and explain what behavior I expected from anyone in my home. It didn't work, she contined to be rude and question me when I made rules for my home. I finally talked to her mother and found out where the kid got her attitude problem. The mother told me I was just old and that her child was not rude, and she just wanted to see the things she took from my dresser. I never have problems with any of the other children, so I just told this girl she was allowed to play out front, if all the kids were playing out there, but not in the house or yard. Her mother stormed over to my house, yelling and accused me of picking on her child. I just told her I was already dealing with too many problems, and I just didn't need another. At this point, she accused me of being unchristian. I just smiled and told her I was sorry she felt this way. The girl has been in trouble at school and has no friends, I feel sorry for her, but figure I made an effort to be kind, and it was all I could do.