What should I do about neighbor's kids?

[Jesus-is-the-1]

I live in an apt. so I am used to living around noise and for the most part it doesn't bother me, especially if it's just kids playing during the day.

WELL, I live on the 3rd floor and the people that live on the 2nd floor have two kids that are absolutely out of control in my opinion. They play upstairs outside of my apt for some reason a lot of the time. The scream and yell constantly really loud. They throw things at cars. They are downstairs on the ground level right now and I can hear them yelling "fat lady, run, fun, run, fat lady is coming" about someone. It's on my last nerve. They are rude and disrespectful. I want to go down there and have a talk about manners with them. My guess is since I can hear them, their parents should be able to hear them too. I really want to go downstairs and knock on the door and talk to the parents. The boys are about 5 yrs old and the parents do not supervise them at all when they play out in the parking lot.

Anyway, this is kind of a rant and a question. Is it wrong if I have a talk with the parents? I would do this in a kind manner, but I can't take just letting it go much longer.

 

[CarrieAg93]

I don't think you're wrong in talking with the parents, esp. since the kids are being rude and disrespectful.

 

[Neenie1]

If it is disturbing you, you have a right to at least speak to the parents, I don't know how much good it would do, but you could try.

 

[sunshiinedays]

I would try talking to the parents. If they don't do anything about it you could mention it to your building manager.

 

[HeyHomie]

There was a time in America when there were "No children allowed" apartment complexes, but try to open such a place today and you'll find yourself in court so fast it'll make your head spin.

 

[Jesus-is-the-1]

I don't mind the kids being around and playing, but I do mind when they are being disrespectful, throwing things at cars, playing in the street, and staying outside late at night all unsupervised. I wouldn't even suggest that it should be "no children allowed."

I'm going to talk to the parents tomorrow.

 

[andiesmama]

Good luck! Do you know the parents at all? Maybe bring a plate of cookies or something, to kind of break the ice....it's such a touchy situation....let us know how it turns out!!

 

[Jesus-is-the-1]

I have talked to the grandfather of the kids a couple times. Just quick conversations when I see him outside. Bringing cookies is a good idea! Thanks!

 

[Linnis]

I have the exact same problem. Telling the kids to behave does no good, telling the apartment manager doesn't and the parents are about as useless as they come.

The Parents all yelled at me, told me to mind my business & called me a few cuss words to boot. Finally the building(After 4 written complaints by me) made it an evictable offence to leave your kids outside alone after 8pm. That worked for a while but it wasn't informed until I called Child services because I found 1 kids(2 years) in the parking lot alone, the other child was found in the middle of the busy street by the police and the two oldest set the laundry mat on fire.

Basically nothing except calling CHild services works and even then, even if the kids are outside alone after dark, that's not "proof" of neglect.

I suggest you call Child Services when you see them out after dark because I know one lady who got concerned and the neglectful parent turned it on her and told CHild Services she hurts her kids to get back at her.

 

[tiradas]

I don't mind the kids being around and playing, but I do mind when they are being disrespectful, throwing things at cars, playing in the street, and staying outside late at night all unsupervised. I wouldn't even suggest that it should be "no children allowed."

I'm going to talk to the parents tomorrow.

Praying for you today. Let us know how it went!

Hmmm...do you go to church? Do they? Maybe you could invite the kids to go with you for Sunday School or Wednesday evenings?

 

[selune]

Call the cops if the kids are throwing things at cars. That is so dangerous! I hope the talk with the parents went well. Praying for you.

 

[Jesus-is-the-1]

Well, I just got home from work and they aren't home, so I'll try again later

 

[LynnMcG]

Have you ever told a parent their child is a monster before? It takes a special kind of tact. And even then...most parents can be very touchy about accusaitons against their children.

If I were you I would mention something to the apartment manager about them throwing things at cars. Then it would be up to the apartment manager to handle it since there would be a certain financial liability on the apartment complex's part if they damaged something during their little outings.

 

[Jesus-is-the-1]

I have worked with kids a lot, and with that comes talking to the parents. I guess they are out of town for the holidays b/c I haven't seen the family at all.

I'm not going to knock on the door and say, "hey, your kids are monsters." If it continues after they are home I will talk to them in a very nice, gentle manner.

Thanks for the advice everyone!