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Backyard Troubles
In a duplex setting, one member faced a unique challenge. There was a small privacy fence on the back porches, but the backyard had the biggest tree, providing most of the shade. The member's bedroom backed up to this tree and they often worked nights. However, new neighbors with multiple children under the age of 5 moved in. The parents seemed to always be at home, and they had no qualms about trespassing on the member's side of the yard. Plastic toys would be piled up, and the kids would run around screaming, waking the member up more than once. Despite being friendly and patient, explaining the situation, the neighbors remained unapologetic, claiming it was too hot for their kids to play on their side without the shade tree.
Things reached a breaking point when the mother used the member's hose to fill a kiddie pool. A shouting match ensued, and the member took measures by getting cameras and stakes to string plastic netting around their side. The father then came out and swore at the member. With cameras in place, the member let them know that any further trespassing would lead to going to the landlord with evidence. Since then, the atmosphere has been frosty, and nasty notes have been left in the mailbox. The member, who just renewed their lease, simply wants their peace and quiet back.
Teaching Boundaries
As a mother of a 2-and-a-half-year-old girl with a warm and caring disposition, she wants to foster her open nature while teaching healthy boundary setting, especially regarding stranger danger. At the museum of natural history, a concerning incident occurred. Her daughter was looking at the taxidermied cheetahs when a stranger squatted next to her and put his hand over hers and tickled her stomach. The mother felt extremely uncomfortable but initially froze, thinking she might be overreacting. This incident made her realize the importance of teaching her daughter to be cautious around strangers while still allowing her to be her charming self.
It's a delicate balance that every parent faces, and this story serves as a reminder of the challenges in raising children and teaching them important life lessons. Slate offers more insights and advice to help parents navigate such situations and continue to nurture their children's growth.