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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to don't know what to do with these kids

21 replies

Mamumu · 28/09/2010 09:04

Well we've just moved to a new home in Wandsworth. It's a basement flat, and it has a nice area in front of it (to park the car, and also stairs to the entrance). I had been picking up paper wraps and other rubbish that 'misteriously' appeared, but yesterday I understood where they came from, as I saw a bunch of kids (around 9-10) hanging out in my front door, eating sweets and even staring trhough the windows. I know they're only children, but I felt stalked (OK, not stalked, but you know what I mean...) for having them SO CLOSE. Is there anything I can do to prevent them from coming? Should I yell I them (first impulse), try to explain them calmly why I don't want them there, look for their parents? What'd you do?

OP posts:
Original poster
Mamumu · 28/09/2010 09:05

Just to clarify, I ment to say "about 9-10 years old", not around 9-10 AM (my English is awful!). This all happens when they go out of school, at 3ish PM.

OP posts:
southeastastra · 28/09/2010 09:06

talk to them nicely first, definitely don't yell.

1234ThumbWar · 28/09/2010 09:08

I don't think you need to shout at them, certainly at first. I have dc's this age and they'd scarper if you stuck your head out of the door and asked them not to hang out there. Shouting/looking for parents is stage two. I think you are perfectly reasonable wanting your privacy.

Original poster
Mamumu · 28/09/2010 09:10

Oh no, I'm definitely not going to yell at them... I'm not a yelling person at all, I probably would open my mouth and no sound would come out. It's just to explain how I felt...

What should I say to them? My girl is only 3 and I'm terrified of kids that age (stupid, I know) :-S

OP posts:
southeastastra · 28/09/2010 09:12

just tell them it's private property - you don't have to be rude or overly nice just factual.

but smile and be polite. if they get arsey tell them you'll have to find a pcso to have a word.

LadyBiscuit · 28/09/2010 09:13

I'd just say 'excuse me, could you find somewhere that isn't my driveway to hang out please?' with a smile :)

Original poster
Mamumu · 28/09/2010 09:15

Thanks!

Southeastastra, what is pcso?

OP posts:
Rosebud05 · 28/09/2010 09:19

It's possible that the previous householders were out during the day, so didn't notice the kids hanging around after school.

Yes, just smile and ask them to find somewhere else to hand out. They'll most likely just do it.

Anenome · 28/09/2010 09:44

I would just make my doorway less pleasant to hang out in....put a bin or bin bags there full of stinky rubbish...only temporarily...they won't hang there if it reeks. They'll move on. If you talk to them about it you might make yourself a target for their boredom.

RandyRussian · 28/09/2010 09:50

I would try asking them nicely to mooch around somewhere else but if that didn't work would look into getting one of those Mosquito thingies. Not sure how much they cost though?

BuntyPenfold · 28/09/2010 13:05

Don't confront them crossly, make your doorway uncomfortable for a while. I personally can't stand the smell of Dettol. Try something like that first.

kreecherlivesupstairs · 28/09/2010 13:17

Ask them nicely, if that doesn't work, contact their school. If that doesn't work burning honey tipped over them should drive the message home.

GypsyMoth · 28/09/2010 13:21

i would single one of them out (the one who appears to be ringleader) and say 'oh hello!! i met your parents the other day. we had a nice chat about you! i'll mention i see alot of you next time i see them!!'

they'll be gone with in minutes never to return!

ChasingSquirrels · 28/09/2010 13:22

Don't ask them nicely - TELL them nicely.

taczilla · 28/09/2010 13:22

You could be really friendly and say "ooh you're brave someone keeps letting their dog wee here every night can't you smell it?"

DiscoSquish · 28/09/2010 15:18

I think I'd go along with the making the doorway as uninviting as possible - play something really awful like Cliff Richards or Val Doonican loudly when they turn up and leave bags of smelly rubbish for them to huddle up to.

OrmRenewed · 28/09/2010 15:22

How about 'Please would you mind hanging around a bit further away, thanks'. With a smile not a snarl.

loopyloops · 28/09/2010 16:16

Um, I think definitely tell them.

Children are usually quire responsive to being told what to do.

If they come back, phone their school.

They probably just have never been told it's not allowed.

Don't be intimidated by a bunch of children, for heaven's sake.

Coca · 28/09/2010 16:24

Agree that bags of stinky rubbish is the way to go. And nursery rhyme CDs playing by an open window. No self respecting 9 year old will hang around that.

Sidge · 28/09/2010 16:32

Oh just ask them to move along, they probably have no idea they are bothering you.

I find a cheery 'hi guys, can you move along and not hang out here' does the trick.

Original poster
Mamumu · 28/09/2010 17:36

LOL don't know if it'll work, but you made me laugh :D

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