What would you guys do?

The other day there were some kids playing in my backyard and they had the nerve to tip over my bird bath and swing at my hummingbird feeder with sticks. I went outside and I yelled at them and asked where their parents were and told them to get out of my yard and not to play with my bird things. They were in my yard again but they weren't in there long so I let it slide. I was debating talking to the parents about letting the kids run around unattended (The children are about 3-4 yo). It's never been a problem before because they used to have a fence around their yard but since they are moving they sold the fence and its been removed. Now when the kids are outside they can eaisly leave the back yard.

I don't want to sound like I'm whining or something but I don't want to talk to the parents. My huband is enlisted and her husband is a warrent officer in the army. Basically us enlisted families are viewed as 'white trash' in the army (its lame since my hub is probably a better soldier than a lot of the officers out there) and there are lazy people no matter what rank you are in the army or anywhere for that matter. I've been treated like scum by a lot of the WO wives around here. Not that the wives wear stipes or rank.... anyway.... Should I just hold my breath since they are moving soon? They didn't break anything but if they get hurt in my yard would it be held accountable?

I would say go and talk to her and tell her about the kids knocking the stuff around, and tell them that if they get hurt, its not your responsability

These children need to be in preschool or under constant supervision, not running around unattended! I would absolutely tell the parents where they were, not in an accusing way, though, or complaining that they messed up something in your yard. Just to tell them how dangerous it is for their children to be so far from home without the supervision of an adult.

First off the mother must be a moron to let her 3-4 yr olds run free like that. I mean, duh. At that age they totally need supervision!

Secondly, you had every right to say something to them about being in YOUR yard messing with YOUR stuff. I know you don't want to go talk to her, but someone should. One of the kids might wind up hurt. You could try to talk calmly to the kids but at that age, they won't listen, especially if they aren't getting much discipline at home. If some kid was in my yard batting my birdfeeder around or broke my birdbath, I'd walk the kid down to the parent and you betcha I'd give an earful. Whether the ppl are moving or not!

Thanks guys. If I see them out there again today I'll go over. I don't like saying something after the fact and with it being the first time... at least they left the things alone after I yelled at them. I'm such a mean neighbor lol. The kinds weren't too bratty when I said something to them. I'll take care of it if I see them out there again.

Definitely speak to the parents. If that does not work, contact base authorities. If anythng happens to those brats while they are on your property, you are probably responsible.

Yes, you will be held accountable. If a child goes into a neighbors swimming pool that is not surrounded by a fence AND has warning signs up, if the child gets hurt or worse, the person with the pool is held accountable! So, yes, if they are hurt at your house, you are responsible. Besides, no one wants to see a child get hurt anyway. I definitely think you should talk to the parents, and get this straightened out.

Originally Posted by dawnofsierra

These children need to be in preschool or under constant supervision, not running around unattended! I would absolutely tell the parents where they were, not in an accusing way, though, or complaining that they messed up something in your yard. Just to tell them how dangerous it is for their children to be so far from home without the supervision of an adult.

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I agree 100% with Kath and Sthephanie!

Originally Posted by CoolCat

I agree 100% with Kath and Sthephanie!

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too!

Why is everyone so upset that your husband is in the army anyway? I think it's very honorable, and he would earn my respect!

It isn't because he is in the army. Everyone that lives here is (I live on post ) its because he is enlisted. Normally on an army post the enlisted are in specific housing areas as are the warrent offices and the officers. There are many things that deal with why the enlisted are treated differently. Firstly, many enlisted come into the army right after HS with no college education. Officers are required to have a BA in something. So right there is something big that we get poo for (being under educated). Obviously it isn't the case for all enlisted. My hub has a degree. He just chose to stay enlisted instead of becoming an officer. Its a lot of political trash.

Waaaay back in the day (like when the north fought the south) the officers were the 'gentleman' and the enlisted were considered like slaves, the ones that had to be recruited to fight the war. Sadly some people still have that mentality about the ranks. I personally think its all silly. We're working for the same person and fighting the same war... yeah there is a HUGE pay difference but whatever. You make do with what you have.

Its just silly that wives let it go to their head. I don't want to step on toes if anyone here is an officers wife or an officer themself. I don't care about rank (I'm a nurse not a soldier ya know?).

I live in a housing area that has warrent officers and enlisted together. There used to be officers here too but they all moved out (they didn't want to cohabitate with enlisted). Some of them I'm sure were worried about the frat rule. Normally officers and the enlisted don't 'hang' together because officers are higher up and they don't want people being treated differently at work because they are buddies at home.

Its a mess. Okay, that's my rant for today.

My ex was in the Navy. And it is an odd world, being a military wife. I remember getting together with most of the wives when the hubbies were out to sea for 6 months. Some of the women were dropped off by their boyfriends! Some of the women were just trash. And yes, many of the officer's wives thought they were better than the enlisted wives. How sad, to get your self worth from your husband's job!

Hang in there. And thanks to you and your husband for protecting us. It takes a brave person to be in the military!