Neighbours complaining about noisy dc in garden

[Xmasinthegarden]

We got the dc (8 and 5) a lot of presents for the garden (mud kitchen , outdoor toys, football/goals basketball hoop etc) they both have AuDHD and need to let off steam in the fresh air.

They were in the garden 10-1. Then back out again after lunch 230-430.

We had had a text from the neighbours at 115pm saying ‘we have guests today and would appreciate a little less noise from the garden thanks’ which I ignored but when the dc went back out at 230pm we had them knocking and telling us that they have family there and some are quite elderly and want peace and quiet and their niece has a newborn and all the commotion from our garden is very irritating as they are trying to relax in their conservatory. I said that the dc were not being that noisy and they wouldn’t be out there past 430 anyway. They said if this happens again tomorrow they will file a ‘noise complaint’ and may call the police!

The dc were just playing, not screaming or fighting. Just running about. Some ball bouncing yes but nothing terrible. They play out pretty much every day and this hasn’t been an issue before ? The neighbours moved in Feb this year so obviously it’s their first Xmas here but they would have known our dc play out a lot ?

They have text now with a ‘gentle reminder - tomorrow needs to be a calm peaceful day. Thanks for your cooperation’ wtf !!!

AIBU to ignore this ? We are home in the morning them leaving at 1230 to see my parents so if the dc play in the garden it wont be for that long just 2/3 hours in the morning.

I would totally ignore! They can go whistle for it and call the police.

They sound miserable. Ignore them and continue to let your DC enjoy themselves at socially acceptable times. You've done nothing wrong.

I would ignore them generally BUT a bouncing ball on concrete is an incredibly annoying noise - maybe take any balls away?

You're used to your kids. They clearly aren't and want a bit of peace and quiet for their visitors.

You said they'd been out for 3 hours which is a good chunk of time. Sorry, but I don't think they're asking too much.

Noise ordinance decency is pre 7am and post 10pm so they can jog on.
council will ignore as noise from children is a normal part of life.

I’d block them at this point

You can not make a complaint about normal family noise - this is exempt

Yanbu. If they want selective silence they can buy a house on its own with no neighbours.
They don't get to decide when your kids play in the garden during the day.

"Gentle reminder, it's our garden and we'll be out there if we want to. Thank you for your understanding."

Cheeky buggers.

Well done getting your kids playing outside today, it's Baltic!!

That’s reassuring as I was worrying if they did make a formal complaint. Fresh air and activity is a huge part of regulating the dc they are literally outside every day rain or shine for a few hours !

Miserable sods. It’s Christmas Day! Are they really disturbed by your DC from inside their conservatory? I doubt it. If it was everyday during the summer I might understand their view.

Just ignore and let them have fun. Can’t wait to see what the police say!

Children playing usual activities in their garden during the day is not a nuisance in law and neither the Police nor Environmental Health will be interested in any complaint what so ever. It absolutely ridiculous to think otherwise and think about complaining. Let them enjoy their new toys. The visitors can have their nap at 5pm

Yes do this

police don’t deal with noise complaints any more

its the local council and kids playing exempt

”gentle reminder, tomorrow needs to be a non harassment day, thank you in advance”

The thing is in the summer they were out there pretty much 8 am -6pm ! Splashing in the paddling pool and making more noise than they did today ! They didn’t say a word about that

I can't imagine ever expecting my neighbors children not to use their garden. Let them call the police pretty sure they will get laughed at. If you kept them in tomorrow where will it stop? It's your garden use it as you want to. Perhaps curtail any shrill screaming. Do not be bullied

Yes it is - environmental health say normal family noise like children playing is exampt

• look it up if you need reassurance

I can see it’s annoying for the neighbours, but as long as the children aren’t screaming or shouting they might just have to put up with it. Perhaps you could show willing by limiting the amount of time the DC spend bouncing balls, as the sound of that can be very irritating.

They can complain but they won't get anywhere with it. Kids are allowed to play outside during the day.
Threatening to call the police? Let them.

Could you not have taken them to the park? 5 hours of noise, I’d be annoyed too.

I prefer the freezing cold when it’s dry to warmer rainy days ! At least when it’s cold and dry we can just stick some thermals and windproof all in one on them and the cold fresh air seems to make them sleep better at night! I sit out there too to supervise and I was a bit chilly but had a baileys hot chocolate and it was quite festive !

I mean I’d message saying should they call the police you’ll fully co-operate however as it was within the daylight hours they should be mindful of wasting police time being so petty

then block them

they sound awful!

Kids don’t need to be noisy. Perhaps you could take them to the park, beach or other open space in this lovely weather we’re having this week? At home, you might want to suggest that they don’t disturb your neighbours? I’ve got children next door who regularly sound as though they’re victims of a horror movie - my 12 year old has nicknamed them The Minions. The other side are neighbours who seem not to be able to hear their dog barking.

I don't have children and I like quiet, but it would never occur to me to ask my neighbours children to be quiet in the garden, let alone tell them! How patronising is their 'gentle reminder'. I'm all for a bit of compromise for good relationships but they're doing nothing wrong, and the hours they're out are already pretty considerate for the holidays.

If they deal with the noise the rest of the year without complaint, I’d be considerate and respect their wishes for a special occasion. While your children have every right to play in their garden, the noise is probably louder and more intrusive than you realise.

So your kids were ‘letting off steam’ in the garden for 5 hours! Hells bells.