Kids in garden!

[ICEMANSAV]

The other day me and a few mates were sat in my house playing on a computer game and there were three kids sat on my fence and pinchin stones from my garden pebble area. I went out and asked them to stop only to be given the finger. They started then to knock on the patio doors and then run off, I was only a metre away!! They are about 6, 8 and 9 ish from a really poor background i.e. Dad has mental health problems and is a maniac, untidy house etc. etc.

 

What can you do though? Police will not be interested, they know I can't hit them and yet they are a pain. I can't even tell them to f**k off because of the brick through the window or car being damaged is a likely possibility.

 

What would you lot do?

[Loosehead]

well you can't do what we would all like to do so try a little lateral thinking. Try and engange with them some how, now I know this sound very liberal wishy wash etc but it worked for me once. There where some yobs generally doing stupid things like throwing my pea gravel at the windows etc. I did the irate adult bit but as you say they know there "rights" they know they're untouchable so creative thinking was needed. I have a motorcycle the sort that teenage boys would love so I went outside with it polished it for a while and they came over just looking in the end I took them all out for a spin on the back they loved it, now I'm "cool" so they don't hassle me. Just find something they're interested in and pursue it with them.

[ursula62]

If they are interested in the garden why not let them help with weeding etc? They probably just want some positive attention as Lossehead says.

You never know, one of them might just end up as the next Charlie Dimmock/Alan Titchmarsh.

[slimfandango]

I have been in the EXACT same situation with 3 kids of the same ages (it sounds like you're in my old house!) and they destroyed my greenhouse. They did all kinds of stuff. I got the police involved over the greenhouse incident, not knowing it was the kids. The kids did it, but nothing happened. The kids came over a lot, ran through the garden, broke a few things. The whole time, I treated them with respect and affection. I'm not being naive, but I think I worked it all out in the end. These are kids with one mother and 3 different fathers. Their home life is a joke, they have no proper upbringing. I think I was their only haven for decency and respect. They would pretend to trash the garden to get attention. I had to do this to them because I was fatherless growing up and my neighbours did the same to me, and they are now memories of my childhood that I can hold dear, I remember the people, and I remember what they did.

See the bigger picture. You'll come off 10 times better and they will come off 100 times better if you treat these kids with the love and respect they deserve. They are not evil. They are not out to get you. They are victims of their situation. You can do them a great deal of good. In return, this will make the situation easier on you, do not try to win the battle by railing against them.

I lost it one time, when they were running in the garden, I was in a bad mood. I told one of them if he did not get out, I would call the police. He looked at me straight in the eye, and said '****, I'm past caring. I just can't care any more'. He was 11 that lad. His mum brought round a new guy every week. His life was hell. For a little bit of acceptance from me, he probably gained 100 fold.

[ICEMANSAV]

I appreciate your answers, it would not be so bad but they terrorise me at my other house where I work!! they stalk me! Lol. I tried it there as well, letting them fish in the river and giving them sweets. When they dropped the wrappers all over the garden I asked kindly if they wouldn't mind picking the mess up and I will put it in the bin for them. the reply **** off **** face! They have shot my car with an air gun, kicked my dog in its face, but I can't do anything.

 

I am only 24, and ended up feeling really old by telling them if they want to do something constructive then do some weeding! I felt like my Mum after that!

[cheyenne]

Cant you give them a contract to clean your car once a month.Make them feel Important.If they do that okay, Offer them other payed jobs.Just might work.Good luck .

[Uriah Heep]

It is very simple.  As they are most likely fed up and seeking attention to pass the time ignore them.

There is nothing kids like more than to annoy someone and getting a response.  On the other hand this would be a good time to kill them as most people are taken up with the pope or general election.