My neighbor absolutely doesn't control her kids, her 6 and 7 year old run wild all day, without any supervision. (She's in the house, and sends them out for the entire day) The neighbor on the other side, who I'm friends with, has gotten a fence because these boys are such terrors. We're getting one too, which irritates me to no end, because we'll be paying a monthly bill just to keep these boys from ruining our yard. In the meantime, every time I see them and their friends playing/horsing around/messing with stuff in my yard I tell them to leave. They all look at me like I'm a witch, but I don't think it's unreasonable to not allow these kids to play on my property. Am I just over-reacting? Would you allow neighborhood kids to run around and play in your back yard if they weren't friends of your children? They've already loosened the pole my satellite is on (it'll cost me $70 if I need a tech to realign it, luckily Nate got it back in place for now) they take stuff off my porch and play on it (chairs, and other non-toy items) they leave trash and toys scattered everywhere, and ultimately I'm responsible for the area's upkeep. Their parents do not care that their children are nusances, because if they are bothering other people the kids are bothering other people they aren't pestering them. The MPs don't care either, they basically turn their heads when they see it. Anyway, this is more of a vent, but I'm honestly wondering why it seems no one else gives a darn about this. Would you be mad?

By Pamt on Wednesday, June 29, 2005 - 05:30 pm:

Not unreasonable at all. I'd be livid!!!

By Mom2three1968 on Wednesday, June 29, 2005 - 05:36 pm:

Wow, your between a rock and a hard place, base housing can be a wonderful experience, and then a true horror if you get the wrong neighbors. My dh is retired usmc and we've had our share of experiences, with neighbors and their children. You are not being unreasonable, the thing with base housing is that even though it may be your yard, neighbors don't see it that way because its base property. Have you ever confronted the mother to let her know that her children are mischevious, damaging your property, etc... You say your neighbor got a fence, are there other people that are having the same problem with these kids? Keep calling the MP's, ask them if there are any other offices you can call, possibly the base housing office. When you move into quarters the sponser is responsible for his families conduct. I wish you luck, been there done that many times.

By Mommyof5 on Wednesday, June 29, 2005 - 05:57 pm:

I would also be irritatated. The same type of thing happen here as well. We live in a cul-de-sac that is right behind the elementary school. MANY MANY MANY parents park on our street to pick up their kids every day after school. The kids will be climbing in my trees, stomping on my flower beds and not ONE parent has ever said a thing to them. I know exactly how you feel about being look at like you are a witch. Only in my case it is the parents that give me that look when I ask their children not to ruin my yard. I also have parents blocking my drive way while they wait for their kids to come out from school. I have to leave as soon as my kids get home to pick up my middle schooler and have to ask at least 3 times a week for someone to move their car so I can get out. They always give me a nasty look and pull away in a huff.
If you find a way to get through to the parents let me know I could really use it.

By Frasersmama on Wednesday, June 29, 2005 - 06:08 pm:

I would also wonder about your liability if a child were to be injured while playing in your yard. These parents who don't seem to care where their kids play will be the first to slap you with a lawsuit if their kid hurts him/herself on your property. Protect yourself.

By Kim on Wednesday, June 29, 2005 - 07:31 pm:

If they are not friends of your kids there is no reason for them to be there. Can you talk to the parents?

By Crystal915 on Wednesday, June 29, 2005 - 08:14 pm:

The dad of the 2 worst offenders is in Iraq, and mom just doesn't care. I tried REALLY hard to be patient and helpful, since the mom has a 4 month old as well, and obviously it's a hard position. However, it's one we will all be in at some point or another, and it's not my job to watch, feed, care for, and reprimand her children. She basically expects that the rest of us will keep an eye on her kids, as she's inside all day with the doors and windows shut. The worst part is I share a carport with this family, and our front porches are connected. We've worried about the liability issue, which is a big part of why we're getting a fence. It's just a disgrace to me that these parents send their 6 and 7 year olds out (at least 3 different families on my street) for 12+ hours a day, and allow them to wreak havoc without any regard for other people's property. I'd actually expect this more in lower enlisted quarters (usually younger familes, more drama) but these are NCO quarters, some of the soldiers are E-6 and E-7s!! (For you non-military, that means they are leaders, experienced soldiers)

By Imamommyx4 on Wednesday, June 29, 2005 - 09:00 pm:

I almost thought you lived on the street behind me. Exact same scenario and ages for 2 the little boys. No dad, mom lets them run wild, they take things from people's yards,etc. Very annoying.

By Heckelmom on Wednesday, June 29, 2005 - 09:33 pm:

We had a similar problem, this is kinda what we did......

Make sure to keep a record or just remember from the past, but write it down. What day and what they are doing wrong. Especially the things that cost you money.

You can suggest some of your neighbors do the same thing... it would probably help out a lot, (but some people just want to complain and not get involved). Or type up a complaint letter and have your neighbors sign it.

Then go into housing (or PPV) calm and not "b**tching". Find out who you can talk to for your particular housing area. (If you make friends or get in good with the receptionist, it works to your advantage). Explain to that person the situation. Give them a copy of the complaint and record. Ask them what can be done. Ask them if they could talk to this mom, tell her that she needs to do something about the situation.

If that doesn't work, even if it is PPV, there is still a military person that is in charge of the housing or military aspect of it. Find out that persons name.

If you have security that runs through the street, make sure they are told of the situation. Ask if they can make more runs through your street,,,, Maybe if security gets involved a couple of times she will straighten out.

I know I sound horrible, but some people just don't respect other people and their stuff. If everybody would just follow the rules, housing could be a good place to live.

By Trina~moderator on Thursday, June 30, 2005 - 09:45 am:

Yikes! Makes me appreciate our quiet neighborhood. If I were in your shoes I think I'd be mad enough to march the kids home, knock on the door and tell the mother she needs to watch her kids OR pay the neighbors for supervising them! Grrrr!! Hope this situation improves and quickly. Let us know how things turn out.

By Kittycat_26 on Thursday, June 30, 2005 - 10:38 am:

I'm the witch in my neighborhood. I try to be patient since we do live in a row of townhouses but come on now.

1. Do not throw your football/baseball/basketball/golfball toward my house.

2. Do not throw your football/baseball/basketball/golfball toward my car.

3. Do not tease my dog through my open screen door.

4. Do not leave your trash in my yard.

5. Do not use my hose to cool yourself off.

These have all been said 4 million times already this summer and I'm not home during the day. Usually we go from one to the other. It's almost like if they can't do one, they try another just to see if they can.

Oh and another one that gets my goat. If you ride your bike on the sidewalk, you move out of the way, not me. Hence the name, side WALK!

Sorry, I'm no help. Just jumping on the bandwagon.