And lo, the screaming in gardens has started

[Lludmilla]

Kids have been off school 1.5 days. That didn't take long, did it??

(And yes, I know this is a polarising topic on here, but today I'm really struggling to wfh due to constant screaming from kids playing in gardens. And no, I don't mean shouting or laughing or giggling, none of which I'd have a problem with... I mean full-on, top-of-the-lungs screaming.)

I get that we have to make allowances/keep things in proportion etc etc at a time like this, I really do. I also get that it's nice that we at least have some sunshine during all this, and I think it's great that kids can play in their gardens. But the SCREAMING. It's like this every single year in my street as soon as the sun dares to show its face, it gets to me and makes it hard to concentrate on work, and sometimes I need to vent even though I know I'm likely to get a pasting for it.

Surely it can't just be me?

Ear plugs are a good idea, if you lived near us you'd be hearing live music all day as we are musicians.

another one for noise-cancelling headphones, will make a difference to your sanity, I have a full house, two kids doing online lessons and a partner having video meetings. I'm used to doing work in silence, my headphones have really helped.

I'd rather they were outside screaming than stuck inside on screens.
One of the kids next door is bashing two bits of metal together. I couldn't care less.

You know when a child is having a tantrum or having a laugh - it’s screaming and yelling when they are running around getting over excited that can be cooled by parents who could be bothered that is grating.

A tantrum can be really hard to head off!

Mintjulia If your Sons not stop talking whilst he does is school work is getting on your nerves, think of the poor children that sit next to him in class. Maybe now is the perfect time to get him out of the habit

Devlesko - id love that! Our old neighbour downstairs was a classical pianist with a love of show-tunes so your have beautiful classical music one minute then he’d break into hello dolly and have a song along.

I don't think you're a terrible parent @startrek90. I think, like most of the rest of us, you are doing your best and it's not always easy. Never more so than now.

Take it easy... I don't envy you having to social distance with a little one.

@Sparklfairy

........we all have to be respectful of each other, not just make allowances for lazy parents.

This in spades... ^

I get sick to death of people making excuses and allowances for lazy (and generally very poor) parenting.

No, it is NOT OK to let your kids scream and yell, with lots of shrill howling and hollaring, so much so that you cannot hear yourself think!

NOBODY minds kids having fun and playing and chatting and laughing FFS. But that's not what this is. It's a horrible family with ZERO parenting skills, and I question the morals and intelligence of ANYONE who thinks this type of anti-social, hideous, screechy behaviour is OK!!!!

It amazes me that the parents let them do it. I'd be the first to tell my kids to consider others.
Not read the whole thread yet but has anyone mentioned the myriad of other garden noises that start when the sun shines.

I never understand what specific behaviour posters on screaming threads are referencing. I mean, I honestly don't know what you are all talking about. Possibly I'm just unaware or don't notice it. I kind of expect kids to be noisy. Nothing else really crosses my mind in regard to this except for if I hear one being noisy I think "What's that? Oh, it's a kid being noisy." Is how I am an unusual way to be?

It’s not really warm outside so I’m assuming your windows aren’t wide open, are they single glazed? Just confused about why this is so loud through the windows.

@Lordfrontpawi would bloody love your neighbour....

Yep same here too. Dh and I wfh with regular client phone calls. Neighbouring kids screaming and bouncing on their fecking creaking trampoline for hours on end.

Kids’ proper playing noises in gardens = fine. The neighbours we back on to have a little girl who bounces on her trampoline and sings Disney songs to herself. Love it, sometimes I join in with “Tale as Old as Time”.

But, I don’t get how screaming non-stop is any part of playing? Like, how is that fun?

Surely you’d go outside, stop your kid, and say, “What on earth reason do you have for doing THAT?” Why would you let it go on indefinitely?

It’s not really warm outside so I’m assuming your windows aren’t wide open, are they single glazed?

Yep. Old house – but also, they're THAT loud.

For us, constantly barking dogs are worse! It’s going to be interesting seeing what quarantine does to neighbourly relations 😂

If you don't know where the screams are coming from they wont know where you are either, so open the back door and scream 'will you stop fucking screaming!!!!' then shut the door. Only joking maybe

Any ideas what to do with next doors constantly barking German Shepherd?

YES op! I'm perfectly ok with the sounds of laughing, shouting, crying, playing - all the things children do. But the screaming is something else.

I agree it’s irritating. Playing is fine. Screaming is not. Lots of parents however think we should all be fine listening to it so what can you do?

Arrogant little shits
Product of pretty shitty parents
Animals

What lovely synonyms there are for children on MN right now. I've reported this thread, along with many others.

Children are not the centre of the universe - but more importantly, nor are their parents. In the next few months we all need to show tolerance and understanding towards others, especially those working from home. Whilst children cannot reasonably be expected to be quiet - there is one hell of a difference between having fun and making happy noise and screaming their bloody heads off for no reason (presumably they are not being chased by a sabre tooth tiger?)

Laughing and giggling is lovely and the odd shriek is inevitable but screaming is unacceptable. I always told my kids to stop if they screamed, I just can’t bear it and there is no need unless they are terrified!

I hate screaming kids! No need for it. Fine to shout to each other whilst playing, but random screams are not on. I have 4 (grown-up) children and 5 grandchildren. By the age of 4 they knew screaming isn't allowed.

I feel your pain. We have a 6yr old 'screamer' next door to us. Never once have I heard mum say shhh.

But then again, I'm about to start teaching a brass instrument from home!!!!

Well unfortunately kids are bored and trapped at home. Just put up with it for now. Can guarantee the parents are stressed and trying their best. Mine have been noisy outside. Not screaming. But laughing, shouting into me inside and the occasional moan when they are disagreeing over a leaf.