For some reason, the kids next door seem to think that the way to resolve every conflict is to throw something into my back yard. Today I came home to find an enormously cute teddy bear in my dogs mouth. (She looked quite proud of herself.) This has been going on for a REALLY long time. On a couple of occassions I've heard their parents scold them for this behavior, but it doesn't seem that whatever they're doing is working.
I don't know what the best way to handle this is, but it's really starting to annoy me. It's not a big deal the first couple of times, but the thirteenth time or so, is something else. My inclination is to just start a collection and hold on to the stuff until their PARENTS come for it. I really don't know though. I don't want to be a jerk about it, but something's got to change.
I think you have a good solution. Keep the stuff till the parents come get it. The parents probably get tired of having to come get the stuff and put their foot down with these kids. If the parents don't come get it, then auction it off on Ebay!
Posted by: elf108 | Tuesday, December 07, 2004 at 07:38 PM
well, if you're really that annoyed about it, you could give their stuff to Toys for Tots or something.
me, i'd just throw it back over the fence. maybe attach several voodoo pins and a creepy message.
Posted by: sarahk | Tuesday, December 07, 2004 at 07:51 PM
I like a combination of approaches. I would start to keep their items. If the parents do not come over to retrieve these discarded toys, I would donate them to Toys for Tots or some other worthwhile charity.
At least this way you get your yard clean and the toys won't be coming back over the fence.
Posted by: Stephen | Tuesday, December 07, 2004 at 08:13 PM
When their parents come to ask for the collection, ask them, "What can I do to help your kids stop throwing their toys over the wall?"
Posted by: tim | Wednesday, December 08, 2004 at 05:14 PM
Two words.
Yard Sale.
Posted by: spacemonkey | Thursday, December 09, 2004 at 03:23 PM
yes, spacemonkey's right. sell your yard.
Posted by: sarahk | Sunday, December 12, 2004 at 08:04 PM