our neighbour and his kids are in our garden

[thereisfreedomwithin]

We usually let them come in and use the swing. The kids usually come and ask.

Today he's just done it - I guess he's feeling pretty desperate to entertain them (3 year old twins and a 5 year old).

What do I do?

I’d just let it go unless they’re out there for longer than an hour or so.

Talk to him instead of us and tell him what you want him to do. Open your door or window and shout to him, don't go within six feet. Suggest he washes down the swing with hot soapy water when they are done if you are worried about infection control.

Unless you need to use the swing as well, in which case you might worry about surface contamination, I wouldn't worry about it. From what you say, you don't normally mind if they ask but given current situation they're probably being wise not coming to your door.

Shout out and say that this isn't something that can continue now with the new rules. Then wash it down.

You stop it now, give him a bollocking then clean the swing

Lockdown means lockdown

If he normally asks then I would think he didn't want to get too close /put you at risk by doing so. I suspect the thought of potential cross contamination via the swing hasn't even crossed his mind.

Are you using the swing yourselves? If not let it go.

We won't use it for 24 hours.

I think the best thing to do is to give them the swing. Our kids (teenagers) do use it but he really needs a swing for his kids (littluns).

My 14 year old objects but I can buy him a hammock or whatever.

I think it's rude that they didn't ask. I'd decide your course of action now op otherwise this will happen everyday

Loan them the swing for the period of the lockdown but don't have them coming in and out of your garden.

Open the window and shout that in view of the current crisis, you don't want anyone in your garden. Then if you intend to use it, go out and disinfect it.

They should've asked but I think your last post is the best thing, he is probably struggling so loaning or giving them the swing for their garden would very kind and solve the problem, especially if your teens don't mind too much.

It is rude but they are basically nice people. I think he took a view that it was better not to knock on the door.
They have a right of way along the ginnel that separates my house from my garden so their kids inevitably treat that as a road.

having said that, the ginnel is what it looks like to them but it's actually just my garden with a right of way over it.
It's tricky.

Well done OP. I wish I had a swing for my son!

That’s very kind of you to let them use it normally. They probably didn’t come and ask this time due to social distancing and not wanting to come near you necessarily. If they normally come and ask, then don’t assume the worst. Maybe ring him or speak to him out of the window.

"If friends ask to socialise say no." Boris Johnson.

He is coming to your house.
The answer is no.

Lockdown is lockdown.

The kids need activity, not the neighbour's swing set.

Open the window and tell him to take this swing into his garden until restrictions are lifted. But that your garden is now out of bounds.

No no no

Sorry

Please dont give away your 14 year old's toy against their wishes.

It's going to be a really hard few months at least and your own child should feel they come first.

There is zero assurance you'll be able to source a hammock at this time or for many, many months. Factories are closed.

I'd leave them to it if it doesn't impact on your social distancing, it would be kind. I'm so glad my kids aren't that age, really feel for parents of young kids at the moment.

I think the nice thing to do would be to let them use it, if it won't affect your or your kids life not using the swing then let them make use, especially with young kids. At the end of the day, we need to work with each other not against each other and if you've got a way to make his life a little bit easier without affecting your own, you should do it

I too would ask them to take the Swing into their own garden.

It's not tricky. This is why we are fucked.
You stay in your own home and garden
A swing is NOT essential no matter the age of the kid.

Please don't give away your 14 year old's toy against their wishes.

This is true but surely after a chat, a 14 year old can see that 3 very young dc will get a lot of fun and exercise out of a swing. It's about us all being in this together and helping each other out.