How would you handle (neighbor related)

We don't really know our next door neighbors all that well, we've said hello and introduced ourselves, but that's about it.

Tonight just as DH was getting home, I looked out the back window and the nanny from next door had the two kids (6 and 2ish) playing on our swingset. It's one of those sets that have the wall you can climb, the monkey bars and a slide. She knew I saw her with the kids, and saw DH and I talking in the garage. She didn't even acknowledge us. I thought it was pretty ballsey for her to just walk over with the kids and let them play in our yard. Now, I really don't mind... BUT I think common courtesy should be that she asks us if it's okay. But the other side of this is that if anything happens to them, like falling off the swing, or off the treehouse part of the set, we're liable because it's on our property. In addition, how do we know that she isn't bringing the kids over when we aren't home?

I didn't know what to say, because I'm just not a confrontational type person, and neither is DH. So we didn't say anything. We want to go knock on their door and talk the mother, especiallyl before we leave for vacation on Friday. We just don't know what we should say, or should we say anything?

TIA!

Re: How would you handle (neighbor related)

Thats weird

I dont know HOW I woudl handle that...

I guess at the time I would have said, um HI to her, since she was in your yard.....But now I dont know what I would do.

Re: How would you handle (neighbor related)

Wow, the first thing that entered my head is: what if those kids got hurt on YOUR stuff? Before I even got to that part of your post!

You HAVE to just confront the parents of the kids. They will understand a lot more than the nanny might. Not to mention, she's kind of trespassing.

Re: How would you handle (neighbor related)

I would definitely say something !

Maybe say something like "I dont feel comfortable with anyone playing on our swingset if we're not there, incase something happens."
simple as that.
thats very wrong.
maybe your neighbor has no idea that the nanny even does this.

cover your tush and say something, so that this way she knows too, and cant deny ever even knowing they went there, does that make sense ?

and the nanny should be given a warning or a heads up or a wake up call on proper etiquette.

absolutely open your mouth!

good luck !

Re: How would you handle (neighbor related)

The funny part is on Sunday I was talking to DH about possibly putting a fence there. Their driveway is literally right next to our backyard, there's just a few trees there separating the property line. As soon as he saw them in the backyard, he says to me ...."Hmmm.. maybe a fence isn't such a bad idea, either that, or let's go get our bathing suits and sit by their pool"

Thanks ladies... I know we should say something, I'm always paranoid someone will get hurt on our property (not that peopel come through our yard often.. it's just a fear I have)

Message edited 5/23/2007 8:01:12 PM.

Re: How would you handle (neighbor related)

and how well do you know the neighbors? are they the types that would say "woops, he got hurt on your swingset while you were away"

the fact that youre going away makes this even more creepy.

Re: How would you handle (neighbor related)

WHO does that? I mean really? Who would ever in a million years think to do that? I would definetely say something!

1. Because she has some nerve
2. Like you said God forbid one of those kids gets hurt they will turn around and sue you!

Re: How would you handle (neighbor related)

Posted by anna

I would definitely say something !

Maybe say something like "I dont feel comfortable with anyone playing on our swingset if we're not there, incase something happens."
simple as that.
thats very wrong.
maybe your neighbor has no idea that the nanny even does this.

cover your tush and say something, so that this way she knows too, and cant deny ever even knowing they went there, does that make sense ?

and the nanny should be given a warning or a heads up or a wake up call on proper etiquette.
good luck !

Message edited 5/23/2007 8:15:43 PM.

Re: How would you handle (neighbor related)

They actually had an article in Parenting magazine for June's issue about this.

Your best bet (according to the article) is to appoarch them and make it see you are looking out for their safety and well being.

Re: How would you handle (neighbor related)

Seriously - she's got some set on her! I think you need to speak to the neighbors ASAP!

Re: How would you handle (neighbor related)

You do need to say something. First of all, to be honest - she is trespassing. But if one of those kids did get hurt while on your property next time she brings them over you will kick yourself for not bringing it to the mother's attention.
And I agree, if you point out that you are just looking out for the wellbeing of the children, no real confrontation should ensue

Re: How would you handle (neighbor related)

I would definitley approach the neighbors. I would also be so worried about someone getting hurt!
Also, maybe a fence, with a lock is not a bad idea either! Definitley say something!

Re: How would you handle (neighbor related)

Thanks everyone!

We're going to go over there tomorrow night and talk to the mother. Hopefully she understands where we're coming from.