What to Do About Noisy Neighborhood Kids
If you've just moved into a new neighborhood, or your children are now old enough to shout and run when playing, you may be conscious about the noise level coming from your home. Since you want to make sure you're a good neighbor, you also expect the same from those that live around you. If the neighborhood kids are too noisy and disruptive, some simple solutions can help make the block more peaceful for everyone.
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Introduce Yourself
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Before you complain to the neighbors about how unruly their children are, introduce yourself in pleasant terms first. If you have children, introduce them as well so those living close to you won't feel as though they can't relate to you when you ask them to be quieter. A nice gesture such as bringing over coupons are gift cards for the new neighbors or inviting them to the summer picnic may also help to soften the blow when you have to go back to the house and ask them to lower the noise level.
Organize Playtime
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You may not notice the noise as much if you get in on the fun with everyone once in a while. If you have a pool in your backyard, invite the neighborhood kids over once or twice to play with your little ones. When you can both see and hear the children enjoying themselves, the noise may be easier to tolerate. Or, volunteer to take some of the neighborhood kids with you when you go to the park with your child. They'll have less energy to be noisy once you drop them off at home, and you can enjoy a peaceful evening.
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Public, Anonymous Requests
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If you've asked the neighbor once to keep his children from making too much noise but don't want to be offensive by asking again, make the request public without naming the neighbor or his kids specifically. For instance, post signs on your street, or a small blurb in the local newsletter, requesting that all inhabitants make the neighborhood a more pleasant place to live by eliminating litter, keeping the yards manicured and making sure the noise level is at a minimum. This puts the "responsibility" on everyone, and if the noisy family doesn't feel singled out, they may be more likely to cause less disruption.
Legal Action
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If your neighbor is not at least trying to comply with your wishes for a quieter neighborhood, it may be time to take the matter to court or contact the homeowners'
association. A judge or association board can review your concerns and complaints objectively, and listen to evidence presented by both you and your neighbor about the noise issue. Association bylaws may also provide guidelines for how to reduce the noise level in the neighborhood. Once a verdict has been reached that wasn't presented by either involved party, it may be easier for your neighbor to tell her children to play quieter. In extreme cases in which you've asked your neighbor several times to keep the noise down without any cooperation, you may need to call the police after you've researched local noise ordinances that the children may be violating, so the issue can be taken to municipal court.
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References
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