So I have a problem and I keep reminding myself that my problem isn't my problem...it's how I deal with my problem. Let me start from the beginning...2 years ago an empty-nester couple moved into the house that shared our back fence with us. Last summer as we were building our trampoline and getting ready to place it in the back corner of our yard, the woman neighbor "sweetly" told us she was much happier when our family was away on vacation and wanted us to either put the tramp in the front yard or use the local parks, "that's what they're there for". Biting our tongues, we kindly responded back that we've lived here for 10 years, have raised our children in this home and intend on making our yard an inviting place for them and their friends so they will enjoy spending time at our home. Over the next several months, our kids and their friends have boisterously loved our backyard, the tramp and pool. We live in a neighborhood with houses everywhere and kids everywhere. These neighbors have asked us to keep our "screaming kids" quiet on several occasions and informed us that we have no boundaries on our children. All of this I've hesitantly just taken as them being grumpy people who must have raised their children in straight jackets and banned any form of play, laughter, joy and fun. Granted no one likes SCREAMING kids but isn't there a difference between screaming and little girls being little girls having fun on a hot summer day in the pool for an hour laughing, playing and splashing...apparently according to our neighbors there's something terribly wrong with that and it reflects badly on our parenting. Today the "gentleman" YELLED at the top of his lungs at the 4 girls on the tramp who were over for a slumber party and the 2 boys in the pool because they were being too loud. My strong loving husband kindly marched over to the fence after the terrified girls came inside and told him what had happened. He explained to the neighbor, "DON'T EVER YELL AT MY KIDS AGAIN, If you need to say something you can knock on my door and I'll be happy to respect your wishes but DON'T EVER YELL AT MY KIDS AGAIN!" I think the neighbor thinks we raise our kids like wolves but what's frustrating is that they don't know us at all...who we are, our values or rules our parenting...
The simple fact that the Hamiks like to have CRAZY FUN and utilize our great backyard is causing much strife with these particular neighbors. We happen to have a great street of neighbors that all get along and respect one another and no one fights with anyone. These grumpy people aren't even on our block or street, they just don't like hearing the kids playing. I'd like to offer them literature on some of our beautiful 55 and older communities in town because they seem genuinely shocked at what they've gotten into moving into an area with lots of families with small children.
Okay...venting is done...WHAT DO I DO NOW? I keep asking myself how can I rise above their aggression and make amends but I have no plans on shutting my kids up on the 2-3 occasions a week when they have friends over and are playing in our yard...possibly being noisy for an hour max...am I so wrong to think this is okay or do you think I'm raising my kids like wild animals??? I need encouragement on rising above their yuckiness, shining my light and teaching my kids how to respect grumpy adults. UGH...WHAT DO I DO???
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
Something funny (not at the time) happened to us with grumpy old people at the city band concert in the Park. We sat NEAR this couple and had an EXTREMELY RUDE incounter with them. Some of what was said, is "you have the WHOLE PARK here, why do you have to come and sit next to us?" And it started off with her barking at Carson, a 2 year old! Seriously. There is something in us parents that gets us going when our beautiful children get attacked or yelled at.
I say keep enjoying the pool, the tramp, the laughter and maybe play some music for them to listen to also. :) Guess that isn't really RISING is it? :) Tell them you are praying for them. And in your prayers for them, your heart might change???
Luv U!
Good advice...Carson should've shared his cookie with the grumpy people! :)
Just happened to come by. I think you should let your kids play and enjoy life without worrying about these neighbors. And don't feel guilty about it either. They are the ones that need to come to terms with living in a neighborhood with children or find another place to live. Be polite and nice, but don't you let them intimidate you. A backyard is for playing!
Well, I guess your post really got me engaged. Thanks for sharing!
Have a lovely weekend!
Allison: You and Josh are wonderful parents to three beautiful children who love each other, their friends and you! A backyard is to be a haven for fun, friends and lots of laughter! Don't let these crabby folks ruin your fun! Perhaps a "living room" chat with them would be a nice way to allow you and Josh to express to them just what you did on your blog ... that you want your kids to have fun, in your yard, with their friends. Hang in there - and amp up the fun!
ok, so I'm a bit late on this post. But you totally need to let your kids play and have fun.
I had a friend who had neighbor issues once and she did the old "kill 'em with kindness" routine. and......IT WORKED!
I say let more than your kids voices shine...let their LIGHT shine on these people as well. Make cookies or brownies and have your kids bring them to their door. Something that would catch them off guard and let them see your kids in a different way.
Post a Comment