To tell off these children?

[Mimicat44]

I recently bought a flat in a block that has a communal courtyard in the back which, being enclosed and therefore fairly safe is usually full of unattended kids aged between 4-12 playing and messing about which is obviously fine and to be expected. However, one of the games seems to be 'ringing people's doorbells' which, in the case of mine is a hideously high pitched, very loud, jarring noise. It's annoying enough as it is, but I'm due to have my first baby any day now and with the summer holidays coming up there's the potential for this to be happening a lot - if they wake up the baby I am definitely not going to be impressed. The first time they did it I didn't really say anything but the last time they did it I called down and told them off fairly gently - just asked them to stop. If they do it again, what's the right thing to do? I don't really fancy going to find their parents as it's maybe a bit OTT and also not sure how they'll respond and don't want to start a confrontation with the neighbours, but also not sure if I should be telling off someone else's kids.. Don't want to disconnect my doorbell as I get a lot of things delivered so need to know when the postman's there.

[TestingTestingWonTooFree]

Of course tell them off.

[SouperSal]

If they're doing it now your baby can hear it and so will probably sleep through the noise when born.

[WorraLiberty]

Of course YANBU to tell them off.

If it continues after the baby is born, just have a friendly word with their parents. Don't view it as 'confrontation', because it isn't.

Oh, and change your doorbell before the baby arrives.

[MrsSpecter]

You need to disconnect your doorbell. Seriously. It will go off at all sorts of times when you and baby are napping, when you are feeding, bathing, settling to sleep etc. Delivery drivers, postman, wrong flat number etc. It will get pressed completely innocently but It'll be the worst sound in the world in a matter of days once that baby is born. I promise you that disconnecting it will save your sanity and blood pressure.

[Mimicat44]

MrsSpecter, I think you're right. Having to pick up my post from the office if I miss the delivery is probably a small price to pay for peace and quiet.

[MrsSpecter]

You could ask a neighbour if they'll take in your parcels?

[DoveBlue]

Get a door bell that has choice of sounds and volumes. We have babies and its a blessing I have it on a longer setting (multiple ding/dongs) but low volume so normally hear it but doesn't wake babies.

[CigarsofthePharoahs]

Get a doorbell like my FIL used to have. You could turn the ringer off, but it had a large flashing light so you'd still know.

[user12785]

Beware, once the postman knows you are home with the baby during the day he will end up trying to bring you all your neighbours' parcels and you will end up like the local depot!
Oh yes, and tell the kids off...

[mrsfuzzy]

could you change the bell for something nicer sounding ?