Short of putting up a fence, how can I get the little brats next door to stay off our lawn & porch?

Question

The parents have taught these kids NO boundaries. They are never home to watch them, they are in first grade and kindegarten and their grandfather is usually home but never goes outside. They are always riding their bikes across our landscaping, playing on our porch and looking in our windows no matter how many times we've told them to stay at their own house. I don't want to be the "mean lady next door" expecially since their own parents aren't very nice to them, but I've already tried asking nicely and the parents are no help. (They don't even act like they want kids...I think they're just too dumb to know how birth control works.) I'd put up a fence and a gate but we can't really afford to do that right now. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Have you tried telling the children? When they are on your property tell them that it is off limits and they need to go back to their yard. If they refuse, you could go over and ask the parents to call their children off your lawn.

It is not about being mean. You have the right to not have children running across your lawn. Its also a liability to have these children on your property, people sue over everything(if a child gets hurt on your property I wouldn't put it past some parents to sue).

The parents may not offer boundaries, but you can. Just be consistent in telling them that your yard is not for them to play in.

Answer 2

You mentioned that you spoke to the parents, but what about the grandfather? Does he have serious health or memory issues that prevent him from taking care of the kids? If not, you should just have a polite talk with him about watching the kids more closely.

You could also talk to the kids directly--it's likely they're doing this to get your attention, whether for positive or negative reasons. They may be seeking you out as a responsible adult, an alternative to their absentee parents. Next time you see them, just ask them why they come into your yard so much. Try to set some boundaries with them, and respectfully ask that they play in their own yard. If absolutely nothing will get them to stay away, it's within your rights to tell the police.

Answer 3

i can think of a few ways to handle this, depending on the situation:

everytime you see them out there, go out there and politely and firmly explain to the kids where your property begins and why they cant play in your yard. if you're consistent they might learn and stop doing it. sounds like they dont have any consistency in their lives.

the other thing i can think of is something that isnt really your responsibility, and may not be feasible. when you see them out there, go out and play with them, let your kids play with them. it may make them feel important and that someone cares about them. treat them as if they were yours (to a point).

that way you can be a positive influence in their lives, and you can get them to stop ruining your yardwork.

in my opinion, abused and neglected children are everyone's responsibilty. you cant just shrug and go "not my kids, not my problem". even kids with good parents can be someone's responsibility for a moment. if you saw a random child about to run into the street, and you could get to them and stop them before anyone else, you would, wouldnt you?

Answer 4

Try telling the parents if they dont want to take care of thier kids, to give them to someone who will. You cant be nice all the time, and some people dont listen to nice. I understand that the local police and child services are busy, but if the parents arent correcting thier children and the chosen babysitter isnt helping either, I would still notify them. Neglect is a form of abuse and is frowned on where I am.

Answer 5

tell then to plz stay off your lawn and be polite act like there a dog peeing on your porch....

Answer 6

Call the cops and child services.

Answer 7

Sprinklers, works every time, unless it's hot.

Answer 8

Sometimes you have to be aggressive to get what you want and you have really exhausted all you could do to be nice.  Talk to the local police about your situation and see what they recommend.  It could be that a fence is your only other alternative.  The police may talk to them about the problem...but I am not sure.  Child services may have something to say about it as well...give them a try.

Answer 9

Talk to the grandma when she's watching them.  Send a polite letter to your neighbors...?  Good luck.

You might have to be mean to get what you want.