I live in a housing complex and all the houses are fairly close together. We have had problems with the neighbor's kid bullying my son. This child is an obese 11 year old with a very mean streak. We have tried to take it up with his parents, but they back their son up.

This child spent an entire school vacation in my house, eating my food, playing my son's play station, playing with my son's toys, only to tell my son when the school vacation was over that WE used HIM (???).

The bullying has become silent taunting and most recently stealing my son's toys through our front gate. My son (only 8 years old) has handled the whole thing very well and courageously asked for the stolen toy back. Amidst much name calling, the toy was eventually thrown back (straight into the face of my mother).

Anyway - the point of all of this ... this child has been "playing" just outside his front gate over the last few days which is clearly visible from my kitchen. He stares and stares at me. He actually even stood with his hands on his hips looking at me. I did the same back and he turned away. Last night became too much though and I closed my kitchen blinds and door, which I never do. If he does it again later today, I shall ask if I can assist him.

Back to the point .. this child, all of 11, reminds me so much of my ex-husband right before a beating. His beady, mean eyes with that stare make me shudder and feel so afraid in my own home. It has resulted in a lot of 'memories' of the times my ex would beat me, the look in his eyes before his fist .........

I am becoming more and more afraid of this child. My husband, of course, thinks I am being silly - but then he doesn't realize the extent of the abuse I suffered, nor can he comprehend that a child is bringing these feelings back.

I have a secure front garden that my son loves playing in and I find I want to call him in if the other child is 'out there'.

I feel stupidly afraid!