Complaining Neighbors

[Anonymous]

I should say to define the property line for the kids AND neighbors. A visual for them to see that the kids are in their own yard.

[Anonymous]

Chiming in for the curmudgeons. You've had complaints from not one but two neighbors. That leads me to think that there might be something to their concerns. Also, respect is a two way street. Maybe your neighbors are having issues of their own and need some consideration.

Most people who have had kids are not going to complain about normal kid noise during reasonable hours. But some kids are screamers. That gets old fast. And some kids do not respect boundaries. I don't think it's asking too much to expect your kids to stay within the confines of your yard and to keep the noise down to a reasonable level. If they're already doing that, then I'd try to clarify why the neighbors are complaining.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Chiming in for the curmudgeons. You've had complaints from not one but two neighbors. That leads me to think that there might be something to their concerns. Also, respect is a two way street. Maybe your neighbors are having issues of their own and need some consideration.

Most people who have had kids are not going to complain about normal kid noise during reasonable hours. But some kids are screamers. That gets old fast. And some kids do not respect boundaries. I don't think it's asking too much to expect your kids to stay within the confines of your yard and to keep the noise down to a reasonable level. If they're already doing that, then I'd try to clarify why the neighbors are complaining.

This is the most salient point. One complaint can be a write-off. Two complaints are a good indicator that OP's family is having a problem being good neighbors and that they are not being good members of their small community. So put up a fence, OP, and do a sound check of your kids. You may need to do some training for what is appropriate.
-Signed, Mom of Five

[Anonymous]

Of course your kids can play on your property between reasonable hours. But they should be taught to be respectful and aware of their volume and belogings.

Like an apartment dweller who of course had a right to listen to music in their home, but is rude if they're blasting it. Or walking down the street, you can of course walk on either side if it's empty, but if there are other people stay to the right. Common courtesy. Think about the people around you.

Laughing and some shouts here and there are fine. Ongoing screaming is not. A ball or two making it over the property line isnt the end of the world, but if it happens often teach them to hit or throw in the other direction and practice controlling the distance/strength.

Enjoy your yard but be aware of the people surrounding you, and teach your kids the same.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don't do anything. Your children are allowed to enjoy their property. Make sure they're not outside being loud before 9am or after 9pm.

The elderly person may have health issues and sleeping past 9 AM. Being decent would be to ask. Those of us with younger kids have an issue when your kids are screaming under our kids bedroom windows when we are trying to get our kids to sleep. 9 PM is not reasonable with young kids.

You are crazy.

9:00 PM is not too late.

Get a white machine to use in your baby's room in the evening, or teach them how to sleep through normal.noise.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"Next time they complain about the wiffle ball, take one and throw it at your own window to show them how dumb they're being. No way in hell that a wiffle ball is going to break a window. They're super light weight plastic balls with holes in them."

My - very strong, very tall - 11 y.o. has broken two windows with a wiffle ball this year.

Just saying that is CAN happen. Not that OP is being unreasonable.

I think your 11 year old is lying to you and actually broke the windows using a regular ball or perhaps a rock.

Whiffle balls do not break windows.

[Anonymous]

Your neighbors might be used to enjoying the quiet oasis of their backyard. Actually look at the way that they are using their yard. Do they have bird feeders hanging? Lots of older people love watching the birds and squirrels at their feeders. Do they have lovely potted plants on their patio? If so, maybe seeing a wiffle ball smack into their plants is distressing to them.

Does the neighbor on the other side care if the ball occasionally comes into their yard instead? If so, maybe the kids could bat towards their yard.

[Anonymous]

One other thing....does the neighbor have a dog that barks and goes nuts when the kids are running near (or on) their yard? That could be another reason that the neighbors are bothered by your children playing outside.

Really pay attention to how your kids are playing, Op.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Chiming in for the curmudgeons. You've had complaints from not one but two neighbors. That leads me to think that there might be something to their concerns. Also, respect is a two way street. Maybe your neighbors are having issues of their own and need some consideration.

Most people who have had kids are not going to complain about normal kid noise during reasonable hours. But some kids are screamers. That gets old fast. And some kids do not respect boundaries. I don't think it's asking too much to expect your kids to stay within the confines of your yard and to keep the noise down to a reasonable level. If they're already doing that, then I'd try to clarify why the neighbors are complaining.

NP and it leads me to think that the complainers were used to the last neighbor and now the neighbors have changed and change is hard and they just don't like it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Of course your kids can play on your property between reasonable hours. But they should be taught to be respectful and aware of their volume and belogings.

Like an apartment dweller who of course had a right to listen to music in their home, but is rude if they're blasting it. Or walking down the street, you can of course walk on either side if it's empty, but if there are other people stay to the right. Common courtesy. Think about the people around you.

Laughing and some shouts here and there are fine. Ongoing screaming is not. A ball or two making it over the property line isnt the end of the world, but if it happens often teach them to hit or throw in the other direction and practice controlling the distance/strength.

Enjoy your yard but be aware of the people surrounding you, and teach your kids the same.

Words of wisdom.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Chiming in for the curmudgeons. You've had complaints from not one but two neighbors. That leads me to think that there might be something to their concerns. Also, respect is a two way street. Maybe your neighbors are having issues of their own and need some consideration.

Most people who have had kids are not going to complain about normal kid noise during reasonable hours. But some kids are screamers. That gets old fast. And some kids do not respect boundaries. I don't think it's asking too much to expect your kids to stay within the confines of your yard and to keep the noise down to a reasonable level. If they're already doing that, then I'd try to clarify why the neighbors are complaining.

NP and it leads me to think that the complainers were used to the last neighbor and now the neighbors have changed and change is hard and they just don't like it.

+1

Unless OP has her trampoline placed at the neighbors yard edge (or the equivalent), I don't see a problem. Nothing like five or more children screaming at the top of their lungs into your kitchen every day, all day.

[Anonymous]

I would double-check that the kids aren't making an AWFUL racket, and that they are playing within the property lines. You know where those are, right, OP?

That's it.