While most people enjoy the sound of children having fun and playing outside – some say it is annoying and inconsiderate, especially when it goes on for hours on end
A mum has sparked a debate after sharing the letter she received from her neighbour complaining about her children playing outside. According to the neighbour, the children scream and shout for eight hours a day when playing outside on weekends or during school holidays, much to their annoyance.
They claim the top-volume screaming is disturbing their daily routines – and is having a negative impact on their mental health. The letter, which has been shared on Reddit, reads: “Dear neighbours. The laughing and giggling sound of children having a good time is so pleasant to hear. Unfortunately, this summer, the constant high-pitched screaming we hear all day long makes it unbearable to sit outside and enjoy the company of friends or family, have a conversation and have dinner.
“We even have to close our windows and our patio door at times because of the constant screaming. We recognise that raising children can be challenging and getting them accustomed to using quiet voices is not easy at first when they are used to being allowed to scream at top volume. However, we recommend that you use the same technique as our elementary school teacher and child care providers.”
On this, the neighbour is encouraging parents to sit their children down and speak to them about how screaming “upsets” and “disturbs” others around them. They claim this will help them build empathy and an understanding of the importance of respectful behaviour.
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“Constant reminders not to scream, and making them go inside when screaming is at top volume will help reinforce that the yelling needs to stop,” the letter adds. “The screaming has become the talk of the neighbourhood this summer as we are all asking each other what can be done in order to regain the enjoyment of having our windows open/or sitting outside.
“With all our years of having plenty of children in this street, this is the first time the noise has reached this current level at such a constant occurrence. The sound of your children travels at least eight houses down on both sides of you, as well as across the street. It would be most appreciated if the screaming could be eliminated so we too could enjoy the summer and our time outside as well.”
While some users supported the neighbours letter, others condemned them for complaining about children for being children. One user said: “The parents who let their children scream all day are bad parents and they are the entitled ones.”
Another user added: “Seriously? Kids having fun and playing outside instead of being inside on electronics? Good grief! The neighbor who wrote the letter is the a***hole.” A third user said: “I understand kids make noise, but if they can be clearly heard 8 houses down on either side, then they are being too noisy, regardless of when.”
One more user added: “I live in a city where houses are close. The neighbors behind me have a pool. They also have two little girls with friends. I work from home in a back room. I absolutely love hearing them out there in the summer whooping it up. It sounds like so much fun I wish I could join them. I’d tell the letter writer to bugger the f*** off.”
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