We have lived on a very short, double cul-de-sac street at the top of a ridge for the last fifteen years. There are 9 houses on the street, mostly built in the early 70's. Some of the homes are still occupied by the original owners, several have changed hands a couple times. Four of the houses have had new owners (or two or three) in the time we have lived up here. When we moved up here, the only other 2 kids (outside of our two daughters, who were 7 and 11 at the time) were in the opposite cul-de-sac. Our girls have grown and moved on along with the 2 kids who were up here when we moved in. Now there are 5 kids in the house immediately next door to us, one across the cul-de-sac, and 2 more down the street. In addition to a multitude of kids who come from who knows where that seem to be roaming our cul-de-sac daily.
When I was younger and my brother and I were allowed (expected) to play outside all day, we NEVER would have played in, trudged through, trampled, etc a neighbor's yard unless we were with the kids who lived there. It was respect for something that did not belong to you.......plus, my mom would have yanked a knot in us. Now, if our street is the norm, it seems that every yard is public domain for all children. As I type, the kids from next door (along WITH THE DAD) are traipsing through our backyard to get to the hill IN OUR BACKYARD to sled. Have they asked? No. Has it occurred to them that it isn't their yard? Probably not. Is this the new normal?
What happens if they get hurt on our property? Are we liable? How long do I need to keep the toys, sporting equipment, paraphernalia, before I toss it in the trash? (Currently I give it a day.) Does anyone else who lives in a neighborhood experience this? Am I just a grouchy old lady? (Don't answer that.)
