Family worries about a father's criminal past
Dear Amy: I recently learned that my teenage child has befriended another teen whose father is a convicted criminal. The father is listed on the sex offender database for child pornography and offenses against minors. He also served time for burglary.
I discovered this background when my child received a package in the mail with an out-of-state return address that I didn't recognize.
This information came up when I searched the address on the package.
Apparently, the friend is visiting the father, and decided to mail my child a small gift. The friend lives with their mother locally. I have not met the friend or the mother.
I have mixed feelings about this relationship.
Certainly, the actions of the father are not the fault of the child. I do not believe my child is in immediate danger because the father lives in a different state.
However, any connection to this family makes me uncomfortable.
I was direct and truthful with my child about this. I advised caution, but as you know, teenagers are not always sensible.
How do you recommend I handle this situation? Should I keep this information to myself?
-- Mama Bear
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