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.

It’s also just where your instinct lies. If they are in their conservatory then why is it bothering them? They probably don’t have windows open. is it because they are fussy or is it because your kids are really loud?!

Agree. It may be legally ok, but I’d be pretty pissed off too do were the neighbours tbh. Maybe be a bit more considerate and give them some respite.

I lived next door to someone like you and it was bloody awful

it doesn’t matter what your kids have it no excuse for them to be making noise all day, maybe be a bit more considerate and take them to a park.

where were you when they were in the garden?

So they're not that intolerant then?

Not being there to hear it none of us can really know who's BU, but it's not unheard of for parents to believe the DCs are just being "a bit" noisy when actually they're shrieking and screaming non-stop, or for neighbours to look forward to the winter expecting they'll get some peace

The neighbours may or may not be at the end of their tether and may or may not be justified, but perhaps it's time for a (hopefully) friendly discussion?

More than one. 5 hours a day is inconsiderate. How would the OP like it if next door played loud music for 5 hours a day? Noise is noise.

I’m with this poster. Ball bouncing for hours on end when I’m trying to relax on Christmas Day would get right on my tits. What happened to people being considerate to their neighbours?!

I am petty AF so would actively be encouraging the kids to play in garden tomorrow morning before you go out. Let them call the police about kids. Having fun. At christmas

I’m assuming this was for your benefit so you got/get peace and quiet indoors. Unlike your neighbours it seems.

If they have a problem with it they should sound proof their conservatory, children with needs such as theirs basically need a prescription for outdoors activities.

This. Five hours of noise on Xmas day is pretty inconsiderate. You say they’re not screaming or shouting but they’re obviously not playing quietly. On one hand it’s good that your kids are playing outside but from another perspective maybe they’re being a bit feral and you’re just shutting the door and letting them do whatever? Playing outside for hours whatever the weather is more than normal and maybe it’s not just the noise levels but the relentlessness of it.

if they’ve never said anything before today I’d take that on board.

When Dd was younger if she got a bit loud outside I used to go out and tell her to quieten down.

You can't really file complaints for children playing noise. However tou say they've played out previously and they haven't complained before, so maybe they have cut you some slack and you could do the same?

This is important. Neighbourhood disputes can esculate out of all proportion and views become very entrenched very quickly. If you can compromise even if you are in the right it could save future hassle for you and your children.
When we investigated we always recommend trying to resolve informally and compromise if you can.

If the children don't get their exercise they will be loud and noisy in the house which I'm sure next door will also suffer from and probably late into the night, lots of crying, whinging, screaming... not happy playful noises from the garden in the day.

Ignore ignore ignore - my x3 DCs have been in the garden with their toys most of the day, as have surrounding neighbours kids too. It’s Christmas Day FGS!

As it says above sensitivity to noise is not taken into account

kids are entitled to play in their gardens in daylight hours

I have no kids and hate the trampoline in the garden craze - but I can see OP is not in wrong - she was out there with them - even if they were screaming it’s Christmas Day so no complaint will even be looked at

They were in the garden for 3 hours? Blimey. I’m in the SW and cut my normal dog walk short as it was absolutely flippin freezing.

Take them to a park then

Read the post

OP was supervising them

you can’t complain about noise when you live in attached house - you consider where noise is going to come from before you move in

If you are 100% sure that you are not being obnoxious with the amount of noise I would be tempted to ensure you stand firm by keeping them out tomorrow as well otherwise they will think threatening you will get results. No way the police will consider this a problem from what you have said. I would also check all your rights etc in case the police come and also ask them to visit the neighbours after they’ve been to you to ensure they tell them that you are doing nothing wrong at all and that you have been in no way chastised and that no action will be taken whatsoever. I’m fairly certain that there is absolutely nothing then can do about children making noise. Be mindful that kids screaming / squealing is annoying though. I’m not saying they do but you can become a bit immune to it as an adult. Stand firm now so that you’re not bullied going forward but if your kids are squealing just remind them it’s unnecessary as and when it happens. I tell my son we’re going in if he doesn’t stop squealing and that usually works. It’s weird that they have your number though, don’t give it out in future.

They are being unreasonable but a ball bouncing (for the hoop) for hours would have been pretty annoying. I’d limit that but otherwise let them crack on with a noise complaint.

I'm very glad I don't live next to you. 5 hours of listening to noisy children. Not good.

Maybe they just wanted one day without being disturbed for hours.

How often do you take them to the park?

My garden is my sanctuary for my mental health especially at the moment whilst dealing with dementia in a parent. I expect some neighbourly noise but if I had children who needed to be outside for hours every day I would be taking them to the park for some of that time to give neighbours a break

You don’t expect to hear balls smashing off the wall of the house or fence for 5 hours of your christmas day though

Yes they are massively asking too much that a family with children don’t use their garden.

They can go somewhere else that guarantees quiet.

If they were so entitled towards me I’d be having a last minute winter bbq.

Can you not see that kids playing with their presents on Christmas Day is perfectly normal.