'Entitled' neighbour has mum fuming with 'ridiculous' complaint about daughter

A mum has been left fuming after her 'entitled' neighbour started shouting at her three-year-old daughter for playing in the garden - so she decided to get her own back

A mum was left stunned when her 'entitled' neighbour began berating her daughter for playing in the garden. She described how her three year old girl was happily playing with her toys in the garden, only for the neighbours to turn her joy into sorrow with their complaints.

Taking to Reddit, the mum shared: "My retired neighbour yelled at my three-year-old daughter who was playing in our back yard and was being a little loud. They yelled at her because they were trying to nap at 1pm." In response, she wrote a polite letter and posted it through their door.

The letter read: "I hope this note finds you well. I recently became aware of your concerns regarding the noise from my children playing in our yard. I wanted to take a moment to address it, as we certainly value being part of a respectful and considerate neighbourhood.

"That said, as I'm sure you can understand, children do tend to laugh, shout, and play especially when they're outside enjoying the fresh air in their own backyard.

"We encourage them to stay active and imaginative, and fortunately, our yard provides a safe space for just that.

"Of course, we do our best to ensure that their playtime remains within reasonable hours and isn't excessively disruptive.

"If there's ever a specific incident or unusual situation, feel free to let us know. We are happy to have an open line of communication.

"That said, we also trust that a bit of joyful noise during daylight hours isn't entirely unexpected in a family-oriented neighbourhood.

"Thanks for your understanding, and I appreciate your patience as we raise kind, energetic kids who will hopefully grow into respectful neighbours themselves someday."

While the majority of users applauded her measured response to the situation, others criticised the neighbouring couple for their petty attitude.

One user commented: "Wow. If they want quiet hours, maybe they should move to a retirement village in their sunset years.

"I remember being irritated when I was jobless and stuck at home during the day, when the neighbourhood toddlers and preteens would play next to my windows during the day.

"I just got headphones so I could listen to the tv if needed. Kids got to play and have fun so they can sleep at night."

Another user remarked: "Very kind and respectful note. I hope the neighbour realises they were out of line and apologises.

"I would love to have a child next door to get to know and to be a maybe extra grandparent to... I miss having little ones around."

A third user commented: "I am a grumpy neighbour in my 60s, I have no issue with normal noises of the neighbourhood. The neighbours behind have youngish children who can scream from 10 a.m. to lunch and again after lunch until 5'ish. Then the dogs bark around 8, for a while.

"My husband came home the other day and I was sitting outside reading. He said, 'I'm surprised you aren't bothered by the noise'.

"I said, 'I hear the lawn mower, the kids playing, the baby crying, the normal noise. I can handle those. I can't handle screaming-screeching for hours on end or barking for any longer than 10 minutes'.

"I am more likely to giggle at the sounds of joy from a young child. I love the baby-laugh and silly kitten videos.

"Your grumpy neighbour should be ashamed. They sound like our neighbour who takes the lightbulb out at Halloween to signal to kids not to stop for candy. Hubs and I are out for hours with a bin of candy and one of chips."