Snooping Guest - Page 2

blueroses47 · ‎03-09-2010

I hang my head with shame, but I have to admit, I do remember being around that age, and doing a little snooping in relatives' homes when they were out in the backyard and I was left to my own devices.

Of course, my parents would be appalled, I was a pretty good little girl, and obedient, but I was only a child. I think I did it out of curiosity and maybe a degree of boredom, but I certainly never took anything or made a mess. I just vaguely remember looking into closets, opened a jewelry box, or that sort of thing. I looked up to my older relatives, loved being with them, and was fascinated by my aunts makeup, jewelry etc.

I wouldn't make too much of it, especially if nothing was taken or destroyed.

I'n 75 years old now, and have lived a crime-free, honest life without really having much interest in anyone's private business at all. Can't even really tell you what kind of cars my neighbors drive. My limited snooping life was confined to a few childhood episodes.

drizzellla · ‎03-14-2010

@Biftu I know how you feel. But I really don't have an answer. Wish I did.

My brother brought his girlfriend to stay at our house for several days. I happened to walk into MY bedroom and there she was going through my underwear drawer. I asked her if she was looking for something, she said "no", closed the drawer and walked away.

Then my other brother was staying at our house for over a week. I had settled my parents estate. Before it was settled I made copies of everything and said that my brothers could have copies of everything. It took awhile to finally settle the estate because my Dad had a stroke and my Mom kept no records. I had no idea what assets they had. She also shreded all records of "gifts" my parents had given this brother through the years.

So when I was at work my brother went through all financial records in the house. He also made copies. Because with the tax returns to the city, state and IRS, I had all original copies. After his rummaging through everything, there were copies and originals all mixed up.

I have learned that when you open your house to people, there are going to be sneaks. And also things missing. It is just the nature of some people. And you can't stop it.

ThinkingOutLoud · ‎05-01-2020

My first thought was that she was looking for something to play with. If they'll be back in the future, perhaps having some options for her would be helpful or at least make it known where she's not allowed to go. You could also ask the parents to have daughter bring her manners with her next time.

occasionalrain · ‎03-10-2010

You should have questioned her as to why she was going upstairs unless there was no bathroom downstairs. In that case, after 15 minutes you should have gone upstairs to investigate.

Her parents should be informed of their child's behavior. At ten, a child should know better than to go through other's property. Apparently, her parents haven't taught her manners or she would have at least attempted to hide the evidence of her snooping.

Depending on the parent's response, they may not be invited back.

eadu4 · ‎06-14-2011

@Biftu I'm sure you expected her to sit there quietly, not do anything and listen to adult conversation? I guarantee she got bored. I'm surprised the parents didn't bring something to keep her busy with. If they didn't I sure as heck would have shown her the TV, movies, I always have games and stuff for kids should someone come with a child.

Everyone on here talking about manners and how she should have been a good girl etc...good grief. You expected a ten year old girl to sit with a bunch of older people for hours and do what? Seriously. Ok so she got up and wandered and checked out some stuff. I don't call it snooping I call it "hello, adults in the room, you have a child here that is extremely bored with nothing to do" No one including adults like to be stuck in a room of boring people. I know people will say "back in my day you did what you were told and sat there and did nothing." Yeah and guess what? You were miserable. Put yourself back there. Why would you want someone else to be miserable? I try to put myself in the kids shoes. If I would be bored then I find something for them to do.

occasionalrain · ‎03-10-2010

I was brought up, unlike most it seems, to have personal honor. Snooping, pilfering would never have crossed my mind.

This child wasn't an innocent looking for some play thing by going through linens and desk drawers, she was looking for hidden cash.

Group 5 minus 1 · ‎03-11-2010

We had a guest and younger guest visiting us. The younger guest went upstairs to the loft. The adult guest told him not to do that. And thats the name of the game.

DIscourage? Forbid!!! that behavior.

I keep on dancin'

occasionalrain · ‎03-10-2010

@eadu4

At ten a child should bring her own entertainment, like a book to read, a tablet for drawing. Depending upon the neborhood, she could have gone outside for a walk.