What would you do

Honestly, if she isn’t going to actually work to correct this behavior, I would put distance between us. What if he tells those same things to someone other than his mom and that puts you in hot water? I wouldn’t risk it.

I never thought of that. She is always very quick to correct him but i didnt think what if he says same lies to someone who doesnt know me.

I would protect yourself and distance yourself. A nursery worker / HV etc would have to follow up for safeguarding, even if they do suspect he’s lying

I agree with you both. Its going to be a difficult conversation to have with my friend.

Sorry but this screams that the child is being abused by someone and is confused who, hence saying your name. These are serious allegations and if a health visitor or professional hears them you can be arrested. If I was you I’d speak to your friend about if something is going on at home.

@Claire i have spoken to her. Currently the father is in prison so i understand him saying his dad doesnt love him, although i dont understand why he would say i said so. As far as i know he isnt getting abused at home. He attends nursery and they have raised concerns about him hitting the other children.

As an ex teacher, this behaviour is very concerning. Hitting is normal behaviour at some stage but at nearly 4 it isn’t. Has he possibly witnessed some violence? To me, it sounds like he’s acting out things he’s seen and heard.

@Claire he has unfortunately. His mother and father have had physical fights in front of him. ( my friend was defending herself ) once the fight was on the road and police intervened. Social were involved but closed the case. Maybe he is still traumatised. He sees me alot and its so sad because he will hug me play with me tell me he loves coming to my house. Im confused i dont know much about child development.

I’d distance yourself for a bit. A mandated reporter like a pediatrician or a teacher would be obligated to report it

I’m so sorry that has happened to him. He probably will be traumatised for the rest of his life unfortunately. You should take a step back as these allegations are serious (I know they’re false) and if he’s at risk he’ll already be known to CPS etc. so they’ll most likely act on these allegations!

Have these things happened to him but he’s using your name instead? Often children do this. However my nephew lies a lot for absolutely no reason just one thing He said recently, his uncle hit him with his car (as in he ran him over!) , his uncle doesn’t drive… He always always used to say as a toddler that people hit him and they didn’t, if I’m honest it was never corrected when he was much smaller so it’s probably why he does it now also he struggles to understand certain things too and likely has very mild autism. I’m obviously not saying that’s what’s going on here but sometimes they don’t always tell the truth and I’ve seen that first hand with my nephew xx

At that age he has a vivid imagination and can't always tell the difference between something he imagined and something real. In that sense he may say something happened and he's wrong, but he's not "lying". I wouldn't make a huge deal and just say "no, that didn't happen like that sweetie".

Appreciate all the advice. I feel the best course of action is to distance myself. I am not comfortable being in a situation like this.