Help! My neighbors' children ages 6 and 3 are always outside alone, and constantly take things from my yard

Question

They usually break them too, ie; my daughters new tricycle, hose nozzle, and our pumpkins! I have talked to the mom many times and she says they'll pay for the damages or replace the item, but they never do! What should I do?

Child protective services have been called before-so much more happens than you know-nothing has happened, and we're surrounded by empty duplexes, so I thnk she would know if I called them. We live on an Army base.

Answer 1

small claims court or go smack the crap out of her...either will work

Answer 2

Perhaps speaking with a lawyer about getting compensation for the things her kids broke. If child services does nothing when they are called, then try forcing the matter in court. Those kids are being treated unfairly. They deserve security and parents. They should be removed immediately, and if it were me I'd take any action necessary to draw attention to them.
By going after the parents for the money they owe, you will also be illustrating the point that when the damage was done, the parents were absent. Just where were they the judge will ask.....
I hope this helps. It's really a difficult situation isn't it? Good Luck!

Answer 3

You could call the police for a good, solid scare. It's a bit extreme but if the mother isn't doing anything about her children's destruction of personal property, a policeman on her doorstep should shake her to her senses and most certainly the kids.

And the other poster is right, a 6 year old and 3 year old shouldn't be outside unattended near traffic and worse, a potential predator.

Answer 4

I read all 21 answers so far, and they are good, but for a while... find yourself liking the nastiest, smelliest, thorniest things like prickly cactus (they can be very pretty) and anything that will stain their clothes (that will make the mom think twice about having to wash such clothes again.) And if you can tolerate it long enough. Talking to the mom sounds useless. Give her something to think about that she DOES care about. If the kids poke themselves on your thorns... can she really blame you for HER kids trespassing on your yard? Make your yard NOT kid friendly! Being nice didn't work. True, sounds harsh, but the kids need some realism.. you only go where you are invited. IF the subtle doesn't work, then get a jar of honey and pour it over them. The kids will love it and so will their mom.

Answer 5

I would call child protective services. It sounds like this mother doesn't care about her children if she is leaving a three and six year old outside unsupervised. That's sad. What if something worse happend like they were kidnapped or hit by a car. I would not deal with the mother anymore since she obviously isn't going to pay for the damages. If this really bothers you, you could also call your lawyer and see what all of your rights are and if somehow you could force her to pay through legal action. I hope I could help.

Answer 6

WOW. Well, I am a sahm of three small kids, so I can honestly say I'd go out there, if I could, when they were in the act and say "No, no, honey. That's not how we play with these things, and if (your kids) aren't outside, you're going to have to wait to play." If that's not enough, I guess I'd have to talk to the mom (again). I'm not one for confrontation, so I can honestly say I'd be very feebile about it. . .but I'd let her know that they 'may hurt themseves' with no one around, seeing as though they broke x,y, and z in your yard (say there was a sharp edge on something). I guess I'd let her know that you are not comfortable with the possibility of them getting hurt in your yard without you even being able to help them, since you can't see that they're out there.

Wow, was that rambeling??

Good luck

Answer 7

If you live on base housing, talk to the MP's. Let them know you worry about the safety of these young children. When my daughter lived on base housing, children under 10 were not to be playing outside with no adult out there with them

Answer 8

A report to social services should do the trick. These kids are at risk of being badly injured ar kidnapped. I would advise you report anonymously. And I would wait for a couple of weeks before you do so. And make no more complaints before you do so to the mother. You want this to come out of nowhere. She will suspect you even so. But at least you will have done something.

Answer 9

Every day, go into their front yard with your family and eat dinner. Make sure to use their lawn furniture if there is any sitting out. Incorporate anything they have outside into your little picnic. If they have a potted plant, drag it into the middle of your picnic area as a decorative centerpiece.

When they question your behavior - and they will - just say that you thought "we were all sharing yards" and that you thought they "wouldn't mind."

Answer 10

Definitely speak to their Mom. If you get no results, then a call to local law enforcement might be in order. They can direct you to the right agency to handle this situation. Diamond is right, these children are too young to be outdoors unsupervised.

Answer 11

I'd talk to them again and stress your concerns about the kids on your property and the possibility they might get hurt and you cant not be responable for it.. If nothing comes of it, I'd put in complaint with your local police if it's that bad.. Those little ones should be watched, not left alone ... I wish you luck..