(Untitled)

[dcfullest]

To give you a little context first: I live in a townhouse, surrounded by several other small townhouse neighborhoods, which backs up to a huge single family neighborhood. I know my neighbors in our cul-de-sac, but hardly any of know anyone outside of our immediate neighborhood

Comments

[anyas_mama]

I work with kids too, so I may be overreacting as well, but that is definitely not normal. I don't know who I would contact, but I think your instincts are right on here.

[rhubelerosko]

Couldn't hurt to just ask (in a roundabout way)..."Hi, I've been thinking about starting walking more often. I've been meaning to ask, is there a route you like?"

I remember when I was that age that all I wanted was to be noticed, be reminded that I existed outside of my family. Just making note that you've noticed her could be good. And something non-confrontational seeking her advice might open her up to you.

Or, she could say something like, "I'm not out here walking for my HEALTH" (as my 14 yr old cousin would say to me as if I had asked her if she liked homework).

I don't know...just spit balling here.

[puppie]

I really like your opening line -- I never would have thought of that!

[sprouterific]

I agree that triggers a flag of "something's not right at home". As for what to do, I'm really not sure. We have a 211 info line that connects you to a general menu of social services, do you have something like that in your area? Maybe not police persay going out, but police volunteers as a 'softer' concerned official?

[crowjoy]

I'd hesitate to involve authorities without at least trying to get a firmer vibe on her, so I would probably just join her for a walk one night. She'll either be like, WTF lady and give you some clue to her mental state, or she'll quietly let you walk beside her. I'd probably just sidle up, start walking, maybe say something like Brooke suggested, or just a "I'm walking with you tonight." statement. You are a minister of teens, so you have that as your "in", know what I mean? She's not going to freak out, she's seen you around before too. Maybe take the dog to have a neutral topic of conversation, if she's willing to talk at all. You'll probably be setting up your own personal ministry at that point, but my feeling is she would respond really well to that. Maybe she'll let you walk her home too.

[mightyplaid]

I don't think you're overreacting, either; it definitely sounds like something odd is going on. I'm afraid getting the police or social services involved will scare her off; I like Crowjoy's idea of just joining her, if at all possible, and seeing what you can learn from that before consulting authorities, if needed.

Maybe take the dog out instead of P for a night or two, see if you can catch her?