Bullies Kids Parents Protect

Question

My neighbors children are bullies. They tease my two children and have even threatened to beat them up. I have tried talking to their parents but they are not willing to see the problem for what it is and things have escalated to the point where we do not have a friendly relationship any longer. I have no real leverage to get them to change their ways and they are not interested to make their children stop the verbal abuse. I have told them if their kids ever touch my kids I will call the police but what can I do about them yelling names through the fence? It is very distressing for my children to not feel safe and comfortable in their own back yard. I feel like a failure that I cannot protect them from this in their own home but I am not sure what to do? Any ideas you have would be very welcome!

David Johnson · Accepted Answer

I don't think there is a simple solution here. I commend you for trying to work with the parents, but since that has not helped, you have to try other authorities. You don't say what sort of living situation you have. If you live in a community of apartments or condos/townhouses, you can try to approach the landlord or association. They may have policies for conflict resolution. If your neighbor is renting, again approach the landlord. If you live in a house next to another house and both of you are home owners, then try calling the police to see what advice or solutions they offer you. Perhaps these children or their parents could be charged with terroristic threats or harassment. If all else fails, you can contact a lawyer and consider legal action. Or you can move. Its sad that some people have so little interest in working with their neighbors to solve problems, but it happens too often. I wish you and your children luck.

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