When it comes to parenting, most mums and dads only want what's best for their children, but it's fair to say that some might take things a bit too far to achieve what they think is 'best'.
One mum has sparked backlash online, after explaining why she doesn't want her son to play with a little boy that lives near them.
The unnamed woman took to the internet to share her story, confessing that she knew is "sounds awful" but needed some advice about the situation.
Writing on Netmums, she told fellow parents that she lives on a large new build estate and has a lot of fantastic neighbours, however, there are a few kids who seem to constantly "cause havoc" by digging up fresh tarmac, making a mess and winding up people's dogs.
"My partner actually told them one night 'stop making the dog bark' and they rode off and gave him the middle finger. Don't get me wrong, I was a nightmare as a kid but not until I was of secondary school age," she said.
She went on to say that one of the children's dogs escaped recently and when she went to return it to the mum, she became concerned.
"The mum answered the door clearly intoxicated with all the signs of alcoholism (as someone with an alcoholic in my family, I'm pretty good at spotting someone with a drink problem) she wasn't bothered that the dog had got out, [and] proceeded to leave the garden gate unopened.
"I recently left my sister in charge of my son and when I returned he was playing with the younger of the two boys. His mum was nowhere to be seen. Turns out this child is four! So the kid that's been unsupervised all this time is four! My mind is BLOWN!"
She added: "I really don’t want my son socialising with a child who's frankly being dragged up, although I mentioned my partner, I'm very much a single mum, he doesn’t live with me and it's been my son, and myself since day one.
"I know I can't control my son's choices, but whilst he's this young it makes me feel uncomfortable. I also don't feel comfortable supervising this woman's child whilst she's doing god knows what!"
The mum asked people if she was being unreasonable and people didn't hold back with their thoughts.
One said: "There only thing that's disgraceful is your attitude towards people with problems in their life. Let's hope she hasn't been put off from seeking help through fear of the same judgments from the likes of yourself."
Someone else wrote: "I'm wondering what the 4-year-old does that is so unacceptable? I've supervised some of my son's friends in the past and some of them are not well behaved so I know how stressful it is (they are older) but usually they benefit from supervision and strict rules. Unless your son's safety is at risk, I would personally give him a chance. He probably faces hurt and rejection everywhere, such small acts of kindness can be so beneficial, especially to a child."
A different user said: "Sorry but I think you are being unreasonable here. If it were you and your child, how would you like to be treated. Would you like someone to say the same things about your child? Why not grow a pair of balls and go and speak to her about your concerns."
What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
