For not wanting neighbours kids in my property?

[Ihatemyneighb]

Neighbour living about 12 doors down. Kid comes into my property around age12 I think, I know the mother by face but not name but never seen kid. I told kid to leave and don’t come again. Went to see the mother and asked her for this to not happen again but her reaction is it’s harmless and kids having fun and to lighten up etc.etc.

Don’t want to explain my reasons but what do u think - AIBU?

Child is too old to be doing that and the mother's reaction is appalling. A neighbour's child would try to follow me home and into my back garden once or twice and another child came with her friend (who was, at least, the daughter of a friend of mine) and let herself into one of the animal pens) but there was never a repeat.

I don't imagine you're the only person who lives in a property at the end of a road/cul-de-sac.

Since you ask, no I would not be ok with a random coming into my house or garden without asking. Of course not, who on earth would be. Hence my gate is locked, as is my door!

This shouldn't be happening, for the child's safety too. How does the mother know you wouldn't do the child harm? I'm not suggesting you would, OP, but some would as we all know.

Can you lock your side gate?

The mum sounds VERY weird and entitled. Her child most certainly cannot do whatever he/she pleases when it involves trespassing on someone else’s property. Her child was not “just having a bit of fun”. Her child was either being a bit stupid (in which case she should educate her child about recognising garden bounderies) or being ignorant (in which case she should make sure her child looks where he’s walking).
Is this child nearly the size of an adult by any chance? In that case I would call the police next time it happens, reporting suspicious behaviour ( possible burglary?) on your property. It is not unrealistic to call the police if one sees suspicious behaviour, and if an adult was lurking around on people’s property a lot of people would think burglars.
And ignore the mum. She sounds like a total piece of work. No wonder the kid is wondering around. Sounds like he/she isn’t being taught basic manners.

Its a little odd the way you say 'my property' like they are commiting some huge crime or criminal damage.
Its a bit weird you told the child to go away then felt the need to go lecture the mother too. Surely just telling the child they arnt allowed would have been enough

It’s weird to me you think it’s weird to call my property my property! What shall I call it then? The child is entering my driveway by opening a gate and then opening side gate to get into garden.

Future burglar. 12 is too old for him not to know better.