Yesterday evening, the 3 middle children were outside. Half the neighborhood kids were outside, as well as several parents. I was working on dinner when Delaney came in saying there was a man at the door. Dan went to see and it was an MP, telling us that Delaney was too young to be out by herself.
Now, I'm sure some of you think I am too lax as a parent. I let them explore and adventure out on their own. I let them climb things, and I do not hover. I know everyone has their own parenting style, and I'm okay with that. I am aware of my children's abilities, and I am quite confident in Delaney's maturity. I know that she will not go far. I know that she will stay in sight of the house, and I know she's not going to go on the grass or near the canal. I am annoyed that I will no longer be able to let her out to play. I can't always go out. I have a million and one things to do in the house that require my presence inside. Dinner, laundry, cleaning..... not outside jobs. Unfortunately, if I cannot sit on the porch and watch her now, she will not be able to go out to play. I am sad too. She will be stuck inside because no matter how many times they say to drop what you are doing and spend time with your children, I still have to feed my family and keep the house in order. So she will have less outside time.
What is worse is knowing that someone called the MPs on us. I may not know that for absolutely certain, but the fact that there were a bunch of kids and parents outside and they zeroed in on mine? That's a little suspicious. And it hurts my feelings. I have a neighbor who doesn't like me and who thinks I can't take care of my child. My independent, creative, amazing child.
4 comments:
This makes me sad. I have the same problem here at my complex. My neighbors call the HOA on us all the time for the boys being outside even when I am with them!!!! Heaven forbid my almost 14 year old daughter watch them so I can get something done! It has to be someone over 18! It frustrates the heck out of me that we can't communicate about this without letters being sent. He even complained about the boys INSIDE the house making noise. With all of Gavin's medical equipment, I asked if they were any of the noises to which he said it just sounds like kids stomping. I told him Well maybe Gavin will die this year and you won't have to worry about it anymore (a mom with a kid that has a life threatening illness can say that - right?) That statement took him by surprise and made him think a little. He still doesn't agree but is much softer towards us. I tried to write a letter to come to a truce but he wrote back disagreeing. I learned that people will think what they want to. You can't change their minds. I just try to keep my kids playing to a certain area and be out there with them. It is a crummy feeling. I am sorry you have that problem in your neighborhood. Maybe as they get to know you, it will get better...because you are fabulous.
That makes me more angry than sad I think. Maybe that is the bad part of me but that is how I feel. People should mind their own business and let others alone, when there is nothing that needs minding! I think Delaney is plenty old enough to play outside, but I do let my children roam over a few acres of wooded area myself, thankfully, no MPs here! Hang in there! I think you're great.
It's a little lousy that ignorant people get to have a say in how you raise your child. And the anonymity is annoying - why couldn't they come to you and express their concerns - must mean they are a wimpy ignorant. Ask Kera about her fun time with Charlotte and the police....
I would be so bugged and mad and sad. I do not hover and I think my kids are even more creative and independent because of it. You know your child and should be able to let her be out with her siblings. Sorry some fussy person "reported" you
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