I’m sure we all remember my neighbors: the loud children and non-existent parents?
Well I have to admit, I didn’t take much action on that other than complaining because before I went to the police or DSS, I wanted to be a civil, normal person and actually have a chance to talk to the parents. Unfortunately the parents are never around. So I’ve been spending less and less time at my apartment. And the time I have spent there, I’ve spent with ear plugs blocking out the noise. (Seriously).
Well last night, I was ear plugless. The screaming and playing had started at about 5:00 pm (which was fine – it was still day time), but by the time 11:15 pm rolled around and there was no end in sight, I was pretty gosh darn mad. Especially since I knew I had an early/busy morning ahead.
I was actually on the phone with my mother while laying in bed when the screaming got so loud, I couldn’t hear our conversation anymore. But miraculously, I heard the children’s mother on the porch (this was the first time I’ve seen her in a long time). A PARENT!
I jumped at the opportunity to talk with her. I told my mom to hold on a sec and walked down the stairs to the front porch, cell phone still on and in hand.
I had two witnesses to the following conversation, so I assure you it is not exaggerated:
Me (gesturing up to my bedroom window): Excuse me? Hi, um, that’s my bedroom and I have a real early morning ahead. Do you think you could have the kids be a little quieter? I’d really just like to get a good night’s sleep.”
Mother: Yeah. Well, we have lived here A LOT longer than you.
Me: I don’t understand what that means…
Mother: You were probably the one who yelled at them on Saturday.
Me: Oh, actually I wasn’t even home on Saturday.
(Not to mention that, hi, I was out on the porch talking to her. Asking her politely. If I really was the crazy person who yelled at her kids, wouldn’t I have just done that NOW at 11:30 at night?!)
Mother: Yeah well I can hear you up there. Trust me, you’re not trying to go to sleep.”
Me: Wait, I don’t understand wh….
Mother: stormed inside leaving all the children outside.
I am actually convinced that after I went back inside, defeated, she told the kids to be louder. Because when I was on the phone with my mother (who was horrified at that mother’s response), the kids started slamming car doors, their front door, running in the street and screeching.
I packed a bag, walked silently passed all the children to my car, and headed to Quincy for the night. Again.
I think we can all agree that “Operation Talk To Parents” has officially FAILED.
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Bottom line, this woman is now going to blame you whenever someone yells at her kids, or calls the police, or calls DSS. For your peace of mind, you might want to make a formal complaint with the police so you have some sort of paper trail in case this psycho decides to retaliate. Good luck!
there’s such a thing as 1-pound bags of flour that are relatively harmless and work even better on a rainy night.
Got a cat? Or dog? Next time they go #2, put it in a bag, drop it in front of psycho family’s door, light it on fire, ring the doorbell, and run like hell.
No pets? I’m sure a friend will be happy to help.
Both excellent suggestions. :)
(Sarah I actually have a call in already. It was more of a “what options do I have” kind of informative call. But either way, it’s on record.)
Ooooh! There’s also “The Leaner.” We did this in college. Get a giant rubbermaid garbage can and fill it up with water. Lean it on an angle on the front door. When they open the door to leave: SOAKED!
I know, I’m not being very helpful.
Haha maybe not “helpful” but certainly entertaining!
Basically, I tried my best to be civil. I kept my mouth shut for months and when I did open it (quietly and not yelling), I only got nonsense in return.
Clearly we are not dealing with this rationally any longer. hahah.
ugh – that sucks…. keep us posted. I want o hear about how this “mother” finally gets hers.
I say keep calling it in to the police. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, right? I can’t believe those kids or their “mother”. My blood pressure went up when I read your post.
man, i can’t believe you stayed calm and left YOUR HOUSE. i don’t think i could have done that. i probably would have exploded. just reading about it makes me mad. and parents wonder why people are annoyed by kids some times. these type of parents make it difficult for every other parent with well behaved kids… *sigh*
i agree with sarah, you’ve done everything (and more) “civil” and she decided to step it up. so it’s time for some different kind of action.
keep us posted!
I’m afraid I would have gone batshit crazy on neighbor lady. She and her kids deserve to be arrested and are perfect examples of what’s wrong with people in this country. I really hate people like them, people who suck, and honestly? Don’t most people suck?
Oh trust me, I SO WANT TO GO CRAZY ON HER. But if I don’t I will ALWAYS have the upper hand with whatever authority I call. She will NEVER be able to say “That girl is CRAZY and yells at my kids and throws poisonous snakes at me!”
poisonous snakes? it’s a good thing your reader base has provided you with some less toxic choices (bags of flour and the ‘leaner’ – priceless!
Seriously though, best of luck!
*banging on trash can lids* D-S-S D-S-S D-S-S D-S-S…
Would you break any laws by photographing them and making them famous?