do i let kids out to play

[piglets]

i have a 5 year old girl and 10 year old boy.i let them play out the front of house,in summer they have been in all winter.i let them out the other day and they played with neighbour whos 11.then other neighbour comes along with his friends and start picking on my kids and there friend .i had a row with neighbour over the kids.i hate it so do i just keep kids in for a peaceful life.i know my kids arent incent they can be mouthy .i keep window open so i can watch them.but the other kids are 9,11,13 and are allowed to go where they want.as soon as my kids go out ,they seem to appear and cause trouble.help

[Ladeeda]

You could try going outside as soon as they appear and asking them what they want. If an interfering adult appears every time they come along, they'll soon get the message - or they'll behave better with your kids.

[piglets]

yes i have even thought of sitting outside with them.soon as i go out there to see whats happen his mum appears.then we end up arguing .she was more upset that my 5 year old ..pocked her tongue at them. i hate arguing but i want to protect my kids, she didnt see any fault with her son and friends .im finding really hard work as there getting older .thanks

[nutcracker]

Do they have to play out the front ?? I mean do you have a back garden ???

[piglets]

yes they have back garden.kids usally start shouting over fence .when do i start giving them a bit of freedom though .my son is 10

[grumpyzebra]

How do you start arguing with their mum, Piglets? I think I would sit out front, but try hard to only get involved when you have to, and if it's going to lead to arguments with another adult, just break up the unpleasant bits with comments like "Everybody please be nice!" so that it doesn't seem like you're blaming any particular child (even if you know damn well who started it).

[lavender1]

Do you know your neighbour well? Wonder if you could invite her over for a cup of tea? if someone says that to me I always see it as a friendly gesture and am glad of their thoughtfulness? just a thought!