Visitors

[sheddie]

What are you like when you are just about to eat your meal and the door knocks? I hate it and let my meal ruin, recently we had neighbours move in with 2 children who have taken a liking to poor jess.Everytime I go to take her for a walk they are there. Jess isn't used to children pulling her around and why don't their parents correct them?I am getting to dread the door knocking because as soon as I or OH open it they run straight past and in.I have all my little treasures around and don't want them broken or ruined. what should I do?

[Oola]

Just tell them straight, but with a smile on your face. You could say something like 'is it ok if you don't run in the house because...'. I think a simple, pleasant explanation ought to be enough.

[sheddie]

You must be joking Oola, they don't even hear you and your smile would go totally unnoticed, they run so fast they are up the stairs and everywhere. It just doesn't bother them if you speak sharply even and my OH can't move that quick.By the time he gets up the stairs they are down again.X

[keepersdaughter]

I think I might be tempted to open the door just a crack and before they had a chance to bolt, say that before that can come in you need to tell them that you have some rules in your house. No running!, you don't want them getting hurt and if they forget, which they no doubt will, call them and remind them and very gently explain that you enjoy their visits, but they really must not run or they will have to leave. As for Jess, same thing - explain she gets scared as she's not used to being used to children. Maybe they are not used to being around dogs and explain there are ways to behave around pets/animals and lots of running around might upset them. I would also tell the parents next time you see them, nicely as possible of course, that your home isn't 'child proofed' and they are such delightful children, but really don't want them getting hurt. would THEY mind telling their little darlings to take care not to rush around when they're over. Hopefully they will get the message

[Oola]

Yes I second keepersdaughter's suggestion. Lol...I haven't had kids yet so maybe I still have a lot of learning to do!!!!

[eleanor2]

sheddy knowing you you are to soft.next time they run upstairs.shout in your loudest voice GET DOWN HERE.you will give them a right shock.they will be in awe of you from that day on.

[Crocus]

It happens so many times here as well. The moment you at last can sit down and have your meal, either the phone goes or the door knocker! It's like people have an built in knowledge of when we are going to have supper! And usually when the kitchen is all upside down, back to front and untidy! :o Our kitchen sort of open plan to our living room. And the living room is directly off (1 step) our hallway.

Sheds, can't you perhaps tell the neighbours that your were just sitting down to have your meal, and could they perhaps come later, much later? That it's inconvenient at that moment? Grrrr, I know, it's such a difficult situation. Perhaps if you could teach Jess to growl(!) at the kids, they will perhaps not come there anymore. :eek:

[sheddie]

I don't want to sound like I don't like children because i do and I really am not too precious about my things if broken by a genuine accident. But I do wish the parent's would be the ones to keep their children in order in someone elses house. Jess loves to meet children in the park but is not used to being pulled around particularly at home.My OH finds it difficult enough getting around and you're probably right Eeee I am too soft and don't like to offend.But I shall try to put a bit more authorative tone in my voice, trouble is the children really seem to like me.But I worry about accidents particularly knocking OH over.

[lily]

This would drive me to drink! I'd keep the door on a chain, open it a tiny bit and say I'm sorry, I'm really busy/eating a meal/watching a good programme/just about to have a bath etc. Repeat until message penetrates.

[gothfairy]

For what it's worth I would ignore the door and carry on with my meal... after all, I haven't spent considerable time preparing a meal from scratch, looking forward to sitting down with hubbysand at the end of the day and discussing what we did and so on, to have it interrupted by anyone. The same goes for the phone, which is an ansaphone if you don't get there before it kicks in. If it's urgent, people will call back, if they don't, chances are it's someone you don't want to be bothered with anyway. As for the children, well, this will make me sound like an old harridan, but they wouldn't have even got away with it the first time.. and if they tried it a second time they would be told to go away and come back when they had learnt some manners, the same being repeated to their parents with a polite request to keep their children under control and away from me.

[dinger]

Hope you are enjoying time with your sister Crocus

[Crocus]

Thanks Dinger! We talked so much today, it feels as if I've lost my brain somewhere!! What we are going to talk about for the next 2 weeks I don't know, because we just about covered everything today! Next week will be a bit different because my boys start their end of year exams on Monday for the whole of November!

[sheddie]

and we all know how you can talk Crocus especially if you've had a couple, no wonder you've mislaid your brain X

[Crocus]

Yes dear Sheds, you should know perfectly well, hmmm? Remember, I'm listening and learning! Hugs from me xx

[sheddie]

Hugs from me too, don't forget we miss you if you're not in touch for too long, Enjoy whatever you're doing! XX

[Crocus]

I won't be able to stay away from for too long! Even if it means I have to chat in the early hours of the morning!

[franbee]

I've read all the posts and I agree with Gothfairy, don't let the kids in, but perhaps arrange to meet them outside, to take the dog for a walk. After all, the kids will get older and you might need someone to take the dog out if you are ever both indisposed. Fran.

[sheddie]

I heard today that they might be moving after Christmas, they're cute and I like them but just so out of control, but I don't think it's their fault.I have tried the dog walking bit up the park but tantrums galore and pull jess about all the time.Just wish their parents would keep them under control. I find it embarrasing to raise my voice at someone else's children,especially when a parent is with them! I never had to do it with my own, a look was enough!X