So d*** mad

[Nybonsai12]

How old was the kid? That would determine the magnitude of my reaction with the parents if it were my tree.

Either way, glad you got it back and it's in good hands while you are away.

 

[Ron Dennis]

Have been out of town for the past week and I am sorry I have not responded to your questions. The kid is 10 and has been a neighborhood nuisance for most of his 10 years. Definitely not the child's fault but rather his mother's. We discover he definitely had taken the tree when he asked another neighbor for potting soil. He supposedly told his mother he found the tree in the garbage. A very sad situation and this child has not had any proper guidance at all.

A couple of photos prior to the tree being taken. I know my trees are not great, but garbage?!

 

[Victrinia Ridgeway]

I thought you sold that one Ron? Or did I just see it on the Classifieds? Glad it's home!!!!

V

 

[Nybonsai12]

If he's 10 I'd be pissed and take his parents to small claims court if the tree dies or if it was damaged. If he was a little younger I'd probably give a pass. But at 10 if the kid doesn't know right from wrong, he likely won't ever get it and yes it is 100% the parents fault.

And that tree is def not garbage! very nice.

 

[Victrinia Ridgeway]

If he's 10 I'd be pissed and take his parents to small claims court if the tree dies or if it was damaged. If he was a little younger I'd probably give a pass. But at 10 if the kid doesn't know right from wrong, he likely won't ever get it and yes it is 100% the parents fault.

And that tree is def not garbage! very nice.

Condemned at the age of 10? You must not work with young people very much do you? lol

The earlier suggestion of taking that one under the wing was a more measured approach. 10 years of age is far from lost.

At any rate, I'm sure Brian's assessment is correct, that it'll be fine.

V

 

[Nybonsai12]

Condemned at the age of 10? You must not work with young people very much do you? lol
V

Incorrect. Call it a hunch but i bet 10 years old over in WA are a bit different than 10 year olds in the bronx.

 

[0soyoung]

Have been out of town for the past week and I am sorry I have not responded to your questions. The kid is 10 and has been a neighborhood nuisance for most of his 10 years. Definitely not the child's fault ...

I think you should consider the possibility that this is a 10 year old kid obsessed with little trees in pots.

Were I in your place, I would think about inviting him over to learn how to do bonsai - be your apprentice - maybe have him earn a tree from you. At least walk in that direction, seeing if it makes sense along the way.

 

[Ron Dennis]

And that tree is def not garbage! very nice.

I must give credit to Chris Pfeifle for this tree. I really liked this tree and acquired it from Chris. If not my very favorite, it is definitely one of my favorites.

 

[Ron Dennis]

Were I in your place, I would think about inviting him over to learn how to do bonsai - be your apprentice - maybe have him earn a tree from you. At least walk in that direction, seeing if it makes sense along the way.

Many in the neighborhood, myself included, have reached out to help this child. Unfortunately, there has been no success. But you are right. We must continue to try.

 

[Cadillactaste]

For the mom to not even think twice about the kids story...assuming she knew you did bonsai. It sounds as if the child runs freely with little to no guidance. If the neighborhood is attempting to guild this child. To me...this child sounds as if he got no discipline from his misdeed. Which I hope I am incorrect on.

 

[QuintinBonsai]

[URL=http://s4.photobucket.com/user/Skeletor619/media/spanking_zps8cc458c9.jpg.html][/URL]

Problem solved.

 

[M. Frary]

Spank the mom.

 

[Ron Dennis]

[URL=http://s4.photobucket.com/user/Skeletor619/media/spanking_zps8cc458c9.jpg.html][/URL]

Problem solved.

I remember more than a few such as this from my childhood. My dad always seem to know what I was going to do before I did it. Today he would be accused of child abuse but I thank him for teaching me the right way to behave. However, at the time I wasn't appreciative.

 

[tmmason10]

This has a Gran Torino feel to the story. I would say try and engage the youngster since there's nothing stopping it from really happening again. If you engage him a bit he might gain rep sect of he trees and leave them alone.