We had almost the same issues in our neighborhood before a change in ownership moved everyone out of that apartment building. And we still have kids who are easier -- mine aren't, but it's not cultural there.
I'm afraid I wasn't always able to engage in positive ways, but I tried. I applaud your straight talk to them. I wished I could have been more of an influence, but my limitations hampered me. They still do, with the neighborhood kids. My dream, of course, is to be one of those neighborhood ladies that grown kids point to as the reason they changed their lives, etc., but I don't think that's it. Maybe they'll remember the bees or the hens, though.
Thanks for the applause, Stefaneener! I'm glad you don't judge my limitations. And I am sure that the bees and hens made an impact, and possibly your actions did make a difference. That's one of those things you'd need to be in a Jimmy Stewart movie to know for sure whether you did or not.
(Maa-ry! Maa-ry! Doncha knowme?)
I know for a fact that my household has made a positive impact on the street and neighborhood. God willing, I'll keep paying bills and we'll keep being able to do so!
Ahhh the joys of modifying child/adolescent behaviour!! I'm a teacher so of course do this a lot.
Kids actually don't mind being told what to do and most of them have a great sense of humour. They of course will try every trick under the sun of "it wasn't me".."look what he's doing"... etc etc
Good on you for telling the kids to put down the rocks and for not buying into their distracting "I didn't do it" behaviour.
"I'm not arguing about it. I'm telling you to stop behaviour x" is always the best line.
And I guarantee that if you see those kids again and say "hi...how are you," they'll forget all about having been told off and start engaging with you.
Kids have short memories. They're kind of like puppies and it's the adults' job to teach them about appropriate behaviour.
Keep up the good efforts and remember to celebrate the successes.
Kate, you made my day. Thank you!
I'm in a border neighborhood five miles southeast of you and I hear the same kvetching. Yet my experience of the neighborhood is about 99.9% positive.
I too like to tell people how they ought to live... never works. Being the change I want to see works better. I can't do that even 50% of the time (you ought to hear how I shriek at my kids - I never call names or tell them they're bad but they sure hear from me how irritated I am). But it's really true that living the example teaches better than preaching.
On my neighborhood email list when the bitching gets too bad, I post long ramble/rants about all the good things I see here, and about the nasty neighborhoods I've lived in. Bringing up Hizbollah always helps. My family in South Lebanon is surrounded by Hizbollah. If they can be happy betwixt Hizbollah and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, then I can be happy two blocks from MacArthur Boulevard.
Of course these rants of mine are still preaching but I'm just trying to model how I choose to perceive the good in all situations.
Keep up the good work - you're doing great and I'm glad you guys are creating peace on your side of town.
Leila! How wonderful to get a message from you! I'll have to check your blog later and see what you're up to. Are you well?
Thanks for the encouragement, and perspective. Ah, the world is such a fine place with the likes of you dwelling in it.
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