Saturday, April 14, 2012
What do I do about my neighbor's kids who keep climbing the fence to get into my yard? There are five of them and they always have five friends over! The noise is unbearable!
From etiquette expert, Marie Dubuque: Try bribery, it works! Walk over to your neighbor's house with a box full of fine chocolates, or a basket of gourmet goodies, and try to reason with them. Mention (frequently) how adorable their kids are, but you are extremely worried about their safety, climbing over the fence and all. And could you keep your kids in your own yard??!!! (Say it nicely, of course.)
I have found there are noisy pet ordinances in many municipalities, but none for loud kids, I'm afraid! So, if the bribery attempt fails, you can always contact your neighborhood association, or if need be, the city. I know charging them with trespassing would be a little much, but maybe one of your town's officials has a more reasonable solution.