Neighborhood kids think they're entitled to using new homeowner's trampoline whenever they want: 'Maybe you shouldn't of gotten a trampoline if you didn't want neighborhood kids on it'

This resident was right to take issue with a bunch of kids playing on her trampoline without asking.

Some folks seem to disagree about what constitutes "neighborly" behavior. This resident purchased a trampoline for her own kids. Sure, she probably would have been fine if the kids next door asked politely to play around in her backyard and use the shiny new toy first. However, they didn't.

Instead, this entitled group of children thought they could climb over the new homeowner's fence and jump around on the trampoline for hours while the author was away at work. Now, as the author points out, she had brought up the first instance of this boundary violation to the parents of these kids. They said they were going to do something about it, but they neglected to do so. 

When it happened again and again, the author knew that she needed to put her foot down, even if it meant that she would become the most despised resident in this tight-knit community.

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  • As the author explains, this is more than just teaching these entitled kids a valuable lesson about asking before taking. This is about liability. If something were to happen on the trampoline, the author could potentially be sued, since it might technically be happening on her watch. 

    Maybe the parents of these kids wouldn't dare go that far, but as a new homeowner, she couldn't trust their word. Besides, given the fact that these kids repeatedly trespassed, there is nothing to suggest that they were trustworthy or would behave carefully and safely on her trampoline. 

    In other words, this author was not being a difficult neighbor, as the other characters in this story believed her to be. She was actually being the responsible one.

  • A group of kids plays on a trampoline by a lake.
    via Shalev Cohen

    A group of kids plays on a trampoline by a lake.

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • Neighbors kids keep coming into my backyard to use my trampoline without asking

    I need advice because this is getting out of hand and the parents don't seem to care.
    via No_Fennel_2621
  • I (32F) bought a trampoline last month for my own kids (7 and 9). We have a fenced backyard but the fence is only 4 feet tall, easy for kids to climb over.
    via No_Fennel_2621
  • My neighbors have 4 kids ranging from like 5 to 12. Ever since we got the trampoline their kids have been coming into OUR yard to use it.
    via No_Fennel_2621
  • Without asking. Without knocking. Just climbing the fence and jumping on it. First time it happened I nicely told the kids they need to ask permission first.
    via No_Fennel_2621
  • They said okay. Next day they did it again. I went and talked to the parents.
    via No_Fennel_2621
  • A woman gives a “thumbs down” gesture while looking unpleasant in her backyard.
    via Daniele La Rosa Messina

    A woman gives a "thumbs down" gesture while looking unpleasant in her backyard.

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • The dad said "Oh yeah sorry, we'll talk to them about asking first." But then the mom said "But also it's just a trampoline, kids should share outdoor toys, that's what neighbors do." I said I don't mind them using it occasionally but they need to ask and we need to supervise for safety and liability reasons.
    via No_Fennel_2621
  • She rolled her eyes. It's still happening daily. Yesterday I came home from work and all 4 kids plus MY kids plus two other neighborhood kids were on the trampoline.
    via No_Fennel_2621
  • That's 8 kids. The weight limit is 6. I'm worried about someone getting hurt and us being liable.
    via No_Fennel_2621
  • I asked the parents again and the mom said "Maybe you shouldn't of gotten a trampoline if you didn't want neighborhood kids on it." I'm considering taking it down which S s because MY kids love it.
    via No_Fennel_2621
  • Puzzleheaded_Ad9492 You're leaving yourself to alot liability allowing this. One of those kids get injured and you will have a major lawsuit against you.
    via No_Fennel_2621
  • A group of kids plays on a trampoline by a lake.
    via Shalev Cohen

    A group of kids plays on a trampoline by a lake.

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • tipareth 1978 You better protect yourself. Put up a no trespassing sign and a sign that says no one can use the trampoline without signing a waiver. Also send them a certified letter stating that if their kids hurt themselves you assume no liability. Then start calling the cops when they go in your back yard.
    via No_Fennel_2621
  • ACanWontAttitude Trampolines are the number one thing for childhood injuries. You are right to be concerned and you need to be sterner with the family tbh I would also video your conversations with this family telling them you are concerned about injuries and how you want it to stop.
    via No_Fennel_2621
  • ontheleftcoast in my state that is considered an "attractive nuisance", and if the fence is under 6ft tall you are responsible for any injury. You need to take very proactive steps to protect yourself. trampoline injuries can be life changing, and you will have to pay.
    via No_Fennel_2621
  • jcstan05 This is a situation where putting your foot down is the right move. Believe me, my parents bought four different trampolines in my childhood because neighbor kids kept ruining them. You're right; it's a liability. But also, they're likely to break it, put holes in it, whatever. Tell your neighbors that their kids are absolutely not allowed to use your property. Period. No need to explain anything further. It's your trampoline which you paid for and others are not allowed without explici
    via No_Fennel_2621
  • Signal_Strawberry_37 At that time I would be calling cops for trespassing.
    via No_Fennel_2621
  • hedwigflysagain They make a lockable trampoline nets that go around the trampoline. This is a accident and law suit waiting to happen.
    via No_Fennel_2621
  • MarionberryPlus8474 A trampoline is what is known in property insurance as an "attractive nuisance". You are absolutely right to be concerned about liability because certainly if that eye-rolling mom's kid got injured she'd definitely be suing you. Check your homeowner's insurance policy to see whether this would be covered. If you don't HAVE homeowner's insurance you need to get it ASAP. IMO your best options are getting rid of the trampoline, folding it/locking it away when you are not there,
    via No_Fennel_2621
  • Low-Wolverine9249 Honestly, the trampoline is a liability. No amount of letter or paper work or sign will stop a child. from getting hurt eventually. May be safer to just get rid of it, or gift it to the neighbors and make it their problem and liability Someone will get hurt and you will get sued eventually
    via No_Fennel_2621
  • Hopeful-Artichoke449 THEY CAN SUE YOU! CALL THE COPS!
    via No_Fennel_2621

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