Have you ever wondered what people in the neighborhood might be saying about your family and the activities and adventures that go on at your house? Is yours the house in the neighborhood where there are always extra kids, bikes in the driveway, and skates on the sidewalk; or the one where loud music is usually blaring from the upstairs windows? While it might not be an issue for many, there are ways you can evaluate and consider whether your family is considered a desirable neighbor…or not…
Of course, the type of neighborhood you live in can make a big difference as to how your family fits in. A neighborhood that is diverse and full of other families will be much more appreciative of a busy family household than a neighborhood of young couples or retired people. Neighborhoods can change over time and you may not notice the demographic of your street has shifted and now you are the one, loud, stand-out family on the block.
Additionally, even if your family does have a tendency to get noticed—there are things you can do to balance that out. If you are making efforts to be neighborly, your neighbors will be more likely to overlook the kid clutter and backyard soccer games. Watching the noise level early in the mornings and late at night, especially on weekends can help. You can train your children that neighbors are sleeping before 8 or 9 am and after 10 pm—your neighbors will appreciate the consideration. Making sure that you keep clutter picked up, your grass mowed, and your children’s toys and equipment put away on a regular basis can counter some of the realities of family life too. Also, for those with older kids, having a place indoors or in the backyard where teens and friends can hang out so they are not loitering around in the front yard, driveway, or on the street (and especially not slopping over onto the neighbors’ yards) will make a huge difference in how the neighbors see your family.
See Also: Dealing With Difficult Neighbors
Teaching Kids to Be Neighborly