WWYD? Re: neighborhood kids (sorry, long!)

irer

I just caught a kid (10 yo or so) in our back yard. He broke the latch on our gate to get in and was peeking around to see if anyone was inside. I went out and he ran away. I texted our landlord to tell her and planned to go talk to his parents (I know which house is his--ds is asleep so couldn't go right away)...this group of kids he is part of roam around the neighborhood all the time and they are young (I would say anywhere from 7-10 yo). 

In the meantime, I saw them out front on the street and I asked him why he did that. He said they used to play in our yard all the time (the house was vacant for about 6 months before we moved in) and that he didn't break the latch (he did, but he might not have realized it). I told him we live here now and not to come back there anymore (he said his ball fell back there but I don't buy it) and that if his ball goes back there again to just come to the front door and ask for it back...the ball shouldn't be anywhere near there regardless b/c he lives several houses away and they shouldn't be in the little alley anyway, but whatever. 

 We have a big dog and I would hate for any of them to get hurt...not saying that she would as she is an old golden who is very gentle but she might go into protection mode especially when new baby arrives. I told him we have a big dog and she wouldn't like it if they were back there and he said sorry and wouldn't do it again. 

Anyway would you still talk to the parents?  Or let it go?  

irer

Yes, this is my concern (the dog), really. Even though she is a total sweetheart, you just never know. Cheeky kids!

tablefor6

doesnt hurt to go meet the parents and mention the conversation you had with their son - teachers and principals call parents all the time for little conversations regardless of what the issue is, just to make sure parents are aware of expectations so they can help enforce it as well.  it helps you get an idea of their level of involvement as well - if they blow you off it explains alot (and even more apparent to why the boys lies), and will give you some insight on how to handle it yourself if it happens again. 

i hate neighborhood kid issues especially if the parents are clueless - it makes everyday living more stressful.  good luck!

Daniellekrista

We have a lock on our gate for this reason. I am not sure if it is legal, but we have 2 big dogs (one of which is a pitt-bull, the nicest dog you will ever meet, but a pitt none the less).

I am more worried about my dogs getting out than my dogs hurting someone.

 

Put up a "Beware of dog" sign and/or a "No trespassing" and maybe a second latch that is higher up.  

emtjen79

Also as a parent of a 6 year old,  I would want to know if he did this, it's a respect issue as well. I want my son to be respectful not to go into someone else's yard unless invited : )

allardr

Definitely talk to the parents. Just recap what happened and say you had a nice conversation with the kid about the dog concern, etc. and you think it's cleared up but just wanted to make them aware.

irer

Thanks for the input, everyone.  I will definitely mention it to the parents next time I see them, and will also put a lock on the gate in addition to the latch.  Our dog isn't out there alone unless we are home, but I would hate for something to happen either to her or them.

ToxityRue

If I was his mom, I'd want to know about it happening. Plus, like PPs have said, they need to know about the dog being back there so they can talk to the kid themselves about it being dangerous.

irer

Toxity Rue:

If I was his mom, I'd want to know about it happening. Plus, like PPs have said, they need to know about the dog being back there so they can talk to the kid themselves about it being dangerous.

I would want to know, too...even though we are home if she is outside alone, better to be safe than sorry.  

krismott25

I would definetly still talk to his parents. He shouldn't be back there but especially because you have a dog. While the dog seems harmless you just never know what they will do when they want to protect their territory. Unfortunatly, often times the dog is blammed not the idiot who provoked the. Plus this kids parents need to teach that kid a lesson about privacy.