Letting children chalk public pavement

[RainbowRanger29]

Hi,

So wondering AITA for allowing my young child (age 5) to draw with chalk on the public pavement?

My child was happy out drawing pictures and writing her name with chalk in the front garden with her little friends from the street. They ran out of space in the garden and continued there colourful chalk drawings along the public pavement outside the house.

No one owns the public footpath (its not anyone's actual property) and they drew along outside around 5/6 houses. They drew rainbows and houses and wrote their names and a hopscotch. Nothing offensive but not exactly amazing art (they are only 5!)

One of the neighbours arrived home and appeared visibly annoyed with the chalk, the kids asked if they like their art and they ignored them, went inside, got their hose and washed the chalk away from the public footpath outside of their house only.

The children were still out drawing and got upset that they had washed it away (mummy didn't they like our pictures? Why are they washing it away? Etc)

We live in the UK and it rains an awful lot! It would have washed away anyway later that evening when it rained ... I think it was mean of them to hose it away in front of the kids (surely they could of waited until the kids had stopped playing?)

Or is it me ... should I have not allowed them to chalk the public footpath?

Is it kids being kids enjoying chalking public areas? I used to do this as a kid and it never seemed to upset anyone? Or is it disrespectful to allow children to chalk on public footpaths outside of other people's home?

Interested on everyone's opinions

What is entitled about it? It's a bloody footpath for goodness sake.
People really need to get a grip.
Life is too short for petty shite like that.

Personally I teach my children they can do whatever they like within reason on my property; but we don't do it on either public property or other people's property.

Your neighbour was well within their rights to wash it away if it was outside their house, just because you find joy in everything your child does, it doesn't mean everyone else has to!

God there’s some right miserable people in the world.

just because you find joy in everything your child does, it doesn't mean everyone else has to!

Of course they don’t and I don’t think anyone’s said they do. You’re missing the point. The neighbours don’t have to like the chalk drawings, but perhaps they could employ a modicum of empathy and generosity of spirit and recognise that the children may well take pride in those drawings.

It’s mean-minded to get rid of them when they’re not causing any harm. It’s not as if the kids drew on the neighbour’s sitring room carpet or front lawn. The neighbours will see the drawings for all of a minute or two as they’re coming in and out of their house. That’s it.

I was wondering about hosepipe ban!

I bet that brought back memories for him 😁

It’s time OP to go out with the chalk and draw a massive grinch on the path leading past his house!

I have to wonder what happened to make people like that such miserable cunts. I'd be sorely tempted to get my hands on some of the most permanent paint money can buy, then under cover of darkness give them something to REALLY moan about right outside their house.

Yes. Was big in the 70s too. Didn't even use bought chalk, just some sort of pebble.

Unfortunately there are some sad people in this world (some on this thread) who don’t see harmless fun as a positive and only look for negativity.

Why does this not surprise me, replies like this

Yes we just used stones to draw on the pavement

They don't own the pavement, miserable bastard! How unpleasant.

If it were me I'd explain to my kids that some people are very unhappy and this means they can't enjoy lovely drawings. How sad for them.

Keep encouraging your children to spread their joy, I know it would brighten my day!

Because it's the sort of thing most normal, well-adjusted people who were given enough love as a child and who aren't miserable buggers themselves would think.

Not everyone has a driveway

They probably are the type to stomp on sandcastles too.

There’s always one misery guts.

How do you know who likes it or not though?

Just don't let them 'chalk' outside on a public street (unless they are the next Banksy)! Simple and also considerate.

Also, what about the people that are just simply walking and dont really want to navigate kids 'chalking' on the streets. I wouldnt want my dog, kids, elderly parents having to walk through a load of chalk and kids, i presume who are in the street blocking where people are walking.

Surely there is something they can do which is artistic but, doesnt involve 'chalking' outside of your property!?

Bloody hell some people are so miserable. Who gives a toss if there is chalk outside your house for a few hours till the rain inevitably arrives.

Respect? What an odd choice of word. I like to think I’m a respectful and considerate and kind person. But I cannot for the life of me work out what is specifically disrespectful about chalking on the pavement.

He ignored a child asking him a question and washed off the chalk in front of them.
I agree the phrase 'miserable cunt' is the right one.

Also, what about the people that are just simply walking and dont really want to navigate kids 'chalking' on the streets. I wouldnt want my dog, kids, elderly parents having to walk through a load of chalk and kids, i presume who are in the street blocking where people are walking.

the kids near me have drawn loads of shapes and pictures in coloured chalks on the pavement and astonishingly even though I walk over them every day I've managed to navigate this without the chalk having any impact on me whatsoever apart from making me smile

I wouldnt want my dog, kids, elderly parents having to walk through a load of chalk and kids, i presume who are in the street blocking where people are walking.
Oh good God.
Do you really think 5-year-old kids are going to link arms and make a human blockade when they see your kids or parents or dog coming, and shout, 'No pasarán'?
The kids on my street scatter and stand against the wall when people want to walk past. Or occasionally I have to say, 'Scuse me' or 'Coming through,' if they're really engrossed. It's not particularly hard.

I've asked exactly this question too. No one has quite answered it.

Assuming your dog pees in the street, it’s ok for others to walk through that?