Advice and Help needed to calm me down....

[PoppyAnna]

Here goes.....
We live in a street where the houses have really big gardens at least 100ft x 100ft - next door live a family of six all four boys are 12-17yrs. They love their sport and at the moment it's cricket! they play with tennis balls and I don't mind continually throwing them back (although I wish they were a bit more polite when they come to the door), there have been a few close calls with the girls - I think little Poppy was hit once when she was small but it wasn't hard.
It peeves DH more than me, I consider myself a pretty laid back person and three days ago there was a fake (soft) cricket ball over, I said to the boy when I saw it "that better not be what I think it is" and he said no its a soft ball - and it was. However, this evening and not for the first time a REAL hard cricket ball was over - right near the girls playhouse.
I have to admit it happened once last year and in anger I threw the ball away! Needless to say they never knocked for it back anyway!
They are in on their own after school and they do tend to get up to mischief until later when their parents get home from work.
This thing could REALLY hurt or worse, I know DH is over protective but I'm really angry too. My girls are my most precious things to me.
Am I over reacting what would you do?
I knocked about 10 mins ago but got no answer.....

 

[CustardTart]

That's not good, Joanne - I'd be livid too. If it were me, I'd return the ball when the parents were home and make it clear that, whilst you understand boys will be boys, this is too close for comfort! They want to play cricket with a hard ball, let them go to the nets FGS. I have two sons and wouldn't allow it - full stop...

 

[Pinky166]

Deep breaths Joanne....

I agree that it's not on, I would be livid too. You definately need to talk to the parents but wait until you are calm otherwise it could get nasty.

Let us know how it goes.

 

[natalielongstaff]

i would speak to the parents as well ! but calm down 1st good luck x x

 

[Snowy-girls]

I'm agreeing as well with Karen+Claire+Nat.Knock when the parents are there,and make your point calmly,politley but straight to the point,also do it today as it happened today.As you already know that could do some serious damage to your children.Some people know on here that i have trouble with my neighbours but i do not tolerate her boy who throws stuff into my garden,especially when about 2months ago it was a stick with nails sticking out of it+it hit the swing where dd7 had only been 5mins before.Deffinatley tell the parents Joanne.x.

 

[jjk]

I agree with everyone else,talk to the parents

 

[Goofysmate]

Talk to parents first if that does'nt work don't give the balls back


Wish you luck with this one

 

[Belle68]

Talk to parents first if that does'nt work don't give the balls back

You poor thing you must be worried sick, I totally agree with everyone else, talk to the parents when you have calmed down and got your thoughts togeather. Also if it happens again keep the balls just as Goofysmate has said.

Let us know how you get on.

Sending you a Good Luck.

 

[PoppyAnna]

Firstly, thanks for all your advice, I didn't think I was over reacting and I know there are parents on the DIS with children of all ages that probably have more experience of these things.
I've spoken to the Father.
One of the boys answered the door! When dad was approaching he asked if everthing was okay, I said no and that a hard cricket ball was over the fence. He said sorry, I gave him back the ball and I said to him the next time it happens I'll be throwing the ball away! He agreed and said sorry again - I said goodbye and turned on my heels!
What annoys me the most is that they have a huge garden which is square and they never play the other way as their neighbours on the other side are an elderly couple who probably aren't as quick to throw their balls back, if at all.
Part of me is dreading the summer holidays, as it's the first year the youngest, (twins 12) haven't been in childcare as they are now at secondary school.
They're lucky DH isn't in from work yet, he would have gone crazy
Off to PTA meeting - cheerio!

 

[Pinky166]

Firstly, thanks for all your advice, I didn't think I was over reacting and I know there are parents on the DIS with children of all ages that probably have more experience of these things.
I've spoken to the Father.
One of the boys answered the door! When dad was approaching he asked if everthing was okay, I said no and that a hard cricket ball was over the fence. He said sorry, I gave him back the ball and I said to him the next time it happens I'll be throwing the ball away! He agreed and said sorry again - I said goodbye and turned on my heels!
What annoys me the most is that they have a huge garden which is square and they never play the other way as their neighbours on the other side are an elderly couple who probably aren't as quick to throw their balls back, if at all.
Part of me is dreading the summer holidays, as it's the first year the youngest, (twins 12) haven't been in childcare as they are now at secondary school.
They're lucky DH isn't in from work yet, he would have gone crazy
Off to PTA meeting - cheerio!

Well done Joanne...it must have been hard to keep your cool with them. At least the dad apologised and didn't just slam the door in your face! Hopefully it won't happen again.

 

[KayleeUK]

Joanne - I hope you don't see another one.

 

[Snowy-girls]

Glad it's sorted-hopefully.But if it does happen again-i do agree with not giving the balls back,BUT it still means it's happening+maybe another few words need to be spoken,but let's hope it does'nt come to that.x.

 

[darthtatty]

hi,
i know exactly how you feel.
my situation is a bit worse than yours.
we live next to a play area- although no ball games are allowed.
kids are kids and play ball games. our back garden backs onto the play area so we are always getting knocks on the door asking for various balls back. like you said theyre never too polite.
if it were kids from down our road itd be easier because id know where they live and could talk to their parents if needed.

im worried as sometimes they are the hard balls, my son is disabled so has no chance of getting out of the way- my fence is getting damaged. etc

like you i am dreading the school holidays, i may try to complain to the council to see if they will do anything- doubt it.

hope noone gets hurt.

good luck.xxx

 

[mandymouse]

Joanne - I hope you don't have any more problems with them

 

[Minniespal]

Joanne ~ Hope you don't have any more problems with them

 

[Belle68]

Well done, you were very brave. Lets hope thats the last you will see of the cricket balls

 

[Chilly]

If it carrys on don't give the balls back but I hope it works out without having to reort to that.

 

[thelittlemermaid83]

I hope you dont have any more trouble from them hun.