The neighbors who border my southern side fence have twin boys who've taken to pegging stones into my antique birdbath. They stand on this makeshift pirate ship swing set and toss them over into my yard. When one lands in the basin they shout, "TWO POINTS FOR LARRY BIRD!" I think they are making fun of either myself (my name is Larry) or it might be a bird they've chosen to personify. How do I admonish them? My wife Lu and I aren't exactly kid friendly. Thanks!
2007-10-03 02:40:48 · 14 answers · asked by ricoreeks718 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
Tell them to stop throwing stones in your birdbath. If they do not listen, they need to face the consequence of facing their parents. Then talk to the parents if it occurs again. Do NOT move the birdbath or bargain with these children. This is your property and they need to learn respect.
Larry Bird is a famous basket ball player. They are not making fun of you, but they are annoying you.
2007-10-03 03:07:10 · answer #1 · answered by hopflower 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how old the kiddos are.
I would actually try saying something to the kids. If you aren't interested in being their friends (I am also not kid friendly and have no problem being the mean lady on the block) just tell them to stop. If it was my bird bath, I would say loudly - Hey! Don't do that. You're scaring my birds. I don't want to see you throwing stones into my birdbath ever again!
The next time you catch them at it (which you will) say - I told you guys to stop throwing rocks into my birdbath. Do I need to talk to your mother?
If they do it again, ask them if their mom is home. If she is, walk on over there and politely ask her if she can speak to her boys about tossing stones into your birdbath. Let her know it's a hassle to clean them out of the bath, that the bath is an expensive antique that you have in YOUR yard, not hers and that it scares the birds away. She'll probably be apologetic. If she's rude, remind her that it's destruction of property and that you would rather not involve the police, however you are prepared to do so if the boys don't stop. In the interest of being neighborly, I wouldn't bring the police into it unless the boys don't stop and the neighbors aren't interested in controlling their boys.
2007-10-03 09:54:26 · answer #2 · answered by Nancy Drew 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You would be AMAZED at how just treating them like human beings helps! I have to deal with kids all the time, and the best way I have found is to just talk to them. You don't have to be their "Buddy", but next time you see them do this, just call out something like this, " Hey Guys..."Just smile sincerely because kids can tell a fake..."Listen, I have been trying to get these birds to come to the birdbath, because winter is coming and it is so cool to look at them" etc etc etc. If you can inspire them about the birds, they will be eager to look out for them too. They must have a great vantage point from their pirate ship, maybe they can be the "bird lookout" for a rare type. Who knows, this may not be worth it to you. You may just want to freak out on the mom, but you have a great chance to make a connection to these kids. Since I have three boys, I can honestly tell you they are NOT being spiteful - they are doing boy stuff. Your birdbath is a "target" that is perfect because of the challenging distance! Most likely, they are not even aware it is ticking you off! Move the birdbath, or bring it in until spring if its to much hassle.
2007-10-03 10:27:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Have you tried just asking them not to? Or asking the parents to please tell their children not to? Asking the kids not to throw stuff into your birdbath is not off-the-wall or anything.
And as others have mentioned, Larry Bird is a famous NBA player from many years back. The kids may think they are clever being its a birdbath and all.
2007-10-03 12:33:03 · answer #4 · answered by Brian A 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it possible to move the birdbath? Perhaps if you can take away the attraction, they will find a new game hopefully on their side of fence! Another suggestion is to be a bit friendly towards boys, this can often work wonders. Just a friendly "Hi" or something like that. Halloween is just around the corner and you might consider having a special treat just for your neighbors. We had a neighbor who did this when my children were young and they really liked and respected him. Here's an example, my kids loved to have lots of friends over for pool parties. Not a problem for me, but they also had to check to make sure that their party did not interfere with our neighbor who liked to have outdoor bridge parties. Really it's all give and take.......................good luck!
2007-10-03 09:59:31 · answer #5 · answered by Tira Misu 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Talk to the parents and move your birdbath to a different location. Larry Bird is a famous basketball player and the kids are pretending they are in the NBA.
2007-10-03 09:56:50 · answer #6 · answered by Karen S 2 · 3⤊ 3⤋
A little white lie... let the grapevine know that someone spotted and escaped green mamba or a boomslang (deadly snakes) in your garden and that the kids should stay away until it has been found and returned to its owner. The lie can last for as long as you like. LOL
2007-10-03 11:48:03 · answer #7 · answered by Rooikat 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ugh, I've had to deal with brats like that. You need to talk with the kids' parents. It's pretty clear that the boys won't listen.
2007-10-03 09:45:41 · answer #8 · answered by Tigger 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest taking a video while thier doing it from a digital camera...then make two cd's of it..give one to the parents..if they are rational people and ask them to view it..if they are not rational parents..call the police and show them the video...
2007-10-03 19:00:45 · answer #9 · answered by pcbeachrat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this is what i'd do.....next time you see their mum, just say ' don't want to get them into trouble, and i didn't want to say anything myself, but is there any chance you could have a quick word. i know they are only kids but they've cracked my antique birdfeeder...now i don't want you shouting at them mind..they are only playing, its just i can't tell my wife it was a present from a dearly departed reliative. no harm done i've fixed it. '' then with a nice big smile..so she thinks you are absolutely lovely to her kids..walk back inside.......wait for the fireworks when the kiddies get a right roasting for damaging your property....lol, it IS a white lie, but it should work a treat and stop any bad feeling. xxxx good luck
2007-10-03 10:09:35 · answer #10 · answered by MOON WITCH 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋