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 think that is very generous of you well done

There is a family with 3 young kids out playing in our road, a cul de sac. I don't mind one bit - everyone else stays on their gardens so no harm done.

I don't really see a problem with this. As long as you are not all licking the swing and wash your hands thoroughly when you come in, it's fine.

If your ds has asked you not to give it away, then dont give it away. He might not want a "hammock or whatever"

my husband, older son and I would love to see the swing go! It's got wild garlic growing underneath it...

I think dad is desperate to give the kids a change of scene.

they are nice people, it's hard for everyone to adjust.

As said above, this is not a time to fall out, it really isn't.

Also, I think the reason that playgrounds have closed is to stop people congregating in them. It's not because the equipment is contagious. As long as your neighbors are not out using it at the same time you are, then I don't think it's an issue.

So if the teenager who lives with the OP wants to go into the garden, for some air/exercise, they wont't be able to because their neighbours are there? How big is your garden OP and can your teenager sit apart from your neighbours if they are in your garden?

@BlackCatSleeping no it’s because the virus is shed onto the equipment from children’s hands etc

@thereisfreedomwithin it’s longer than 24 hours.
The research on the new coronavirus' lifespan on surfaces found that coronavirus lived the longest on stainless steel and polypropylene, a type of plastic used in everything from toys to car parts. Up to three days on plastic, and up to three days on steel.
On cardboard, the new coronavirus lasted up 24 hours.

Offer it to him and get a nice garden swing seat you can all enjoy :) Like you said you want it gone and kids are older and will keep him out of your garden so you can use it

How long it can live on the swing is irrelevant if your children are not going to use or touch it.

As you said, it is not a time to fall out with neighbours. If you were not planning to go out and they are enjoying it, let them use it, I am sure it is providing endless entertainment and a change of scenery. If you want to use your garden while they are in it, politely ask them to go back in their own so you can go out.

Being in a close environment to others for sustained time is the risk. As long as they leave the garden before you go in, there is no risk. As long as you are not touching the swing they used, there is also no risk.

Aw you sound like a nice person OP. I'm sure the dad will be made up with that.

our private garden is small. They will be putting up with the noise of my son's endless football practice, etc. It's hard for everyone.

Just shout to him via an upstairs window to use the swing but to wipe it down with antibacterial wipes when they’ve finished l if you too wipe it down, you’ll be fine.

I wouldn't hesitate to give him the swing for his own garden. You want it gone anyway.

It must be difficult trying to keep his children entertained and I feel really sorry for him, as I would anyone, that has to keep young children at home during this time.

I'm in NZ where we head into lockdown tomorrow night. Playgrounds have been explicitly deemed out of bounds 'as the disease could be spread on shared hard surfaces like swings and slides' as the virus could stay on them for up to 72 hours. Now this may in fact not be true and they might be merely using it as a precautionary excuse to avoid a possible site of contagion but it's certainly what we are being told.

I think your idea of giving them the swing while lockdown is on is lovely. You will make a huge difference to their lives and, with luck, they will do something for you if you need it. It must be incredibly hard for any family with three very young children and you are being very thoughtful Thereisfreedomwithin. If he takes away the swing himself, then you don’t need to worry about the virus surviving on the surfaces.

If you don’t want it just tell them to take it away!

Just wipe the swing and the chains with disinfectant at the end of their session. Simples.

Think you need to tell him, whilst you are happy for them to use it generally, with the rules in place at the moment it's not safe for his kids and your kids to be using it. If he doesn't take it well, then he's shown his true colours.

I think that it is lovely that you want to give them the swing. It is public spirited and generous. Well done!

Yes, lockdown means lockdown but we don't need to lose our humanity.

You sound lovely OP. Suggest they take the swing into their garden as a long term loan. It will be lovely for his D.C. and very subtly point out you don’t want them in your garden at the moment. When it’s all over ask your son if he wants it back - I bet he says no.

You need to either give them the swing or tell them not to use it. It's not lively to let them come in your garden, it's dangerous.

Please can people stop recommending antibacterial wipes.
Bleach solution and detergent are what works. Hot soapy water is effective too. Wash your hands, wear gloves.
According to the Journal of Hospital infection this week, the virus can survive on some surfaces for up to 9 days.

A can of Dettol spray would make cleaning it really easy. Tell your neighbour he's welcome but he should use the Dettol before and after use, and preferably knock on your window when he wants to bring the kids in.

Why was your first thought that you should give away the swing (which your son wants to keep) rather than that the neighbour should simply buy a swing? He can buy one online and have it delivered tomorrow. Somehow his problem of how to keep his children occupied has become your problem, which makes me think you may see yourself as one of lives "fixers" and people take advantage.