Seeing Neighbor Too Much

Updated on November 05, 2010
B.T. asks from Ashland, MA
12 answers

My 6 year old son has found a new friend. He is our neighbor about the same age. My son asks me every day if he can play with this boy. He rings his door bell every chance he gets. I am happy he has a nice friend. The friendship seems to be mutual. But mostly more my son initiating. The neighbor has other friends as well. My son is always the one who seeks him out. I try and tell my son that you need to give someone a "chance" to miss you. And not ring his bell every day. He has been very nice but I am sure his mother is probably tired of my son stopping by their house every day. Any thoughts son how to handle this? I think this situation could turn ugly if my son does not " let up". It might get ugly because I feel the mom is being very polite and trying to be neighborly but my son is borderline stalker. haha Thanks.

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K.B.

answers from Tulsa on

I like the idea of asking the M. and exchanging phone numbers. Then you know what days and times won't work and how many times per week she is up for. I almost wish for the good old days when we ran wild from house to house and nobody worried. If a dad wanted us to leave, he told us.

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L.S.

answers from Spokane on

I don't understand what you mean by 'ugly' - they're 6! And really, as long as the other boy is playing happily I don't see the problem. You could, in passing and jokingly, say something to the other boy's mother. Something like 'so, is my son going to have to start paying you rent soon?' and see her reaction.

1 mom found this helpful

C.M.

answers from St. Louis on

When he asks to go see him, try and deter him with a fun project or going to the park! That way he'll only actually go over there a few times a week! Or go talk to the mom about your concerns - and maybe ask her to tell you son he is 'busy' a few times a week. Glad to hear he has a friend so close by, though! Why don't you ask if he can come over sometimes instead?

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D.K.

answers from Boston on

Some days, you should have your child ring their doorbell & ask if the boy can come over to your house to play. If the mom or the boy say no, that might be a clue that they really don't want to hang out quite so often! It would also give the other mom some alone time once in awhile.

I would guess that some days she doesn't mind, but sometimes it must get on her nerves to have an extra child to watch. (Or if it doesn't yet, it will!) And also, please tell her to tell you HONESTLY when it's not a good day or time for her or her son.

D.B.

answers from Detroit on

My son is also the "stalker" LOL He waits to see the neighbor's van pull in the driveway and then he yells out the door "Hey L, can I come over and play" before I can even get to him to tell him no. I've joked with the mom several times about my "stalker son". I've just had to explain to him that he needs to give people a chance to relax and unwind when they get home and usually he just forgets to ask again later.

Also, he "stalks" our older neighbors on the other side. Every time the husband is outside, my son is right there at the fence peppering him with questions "Mr. G, can I help you water your grass"..."Mr. G, why are you raking your leaves"...."Mr. G, what are you reading"....I joke with Mr. G that my son is "Denis the menace" and he's "Mr. Wilson".

B., our sons are just really outgoing, friendly little people. But sometimes it IS overwhelming to shy or busy people. So try to speaking with the mom (she MAY not mind, but still, its a good idea to give her an out too) and also just remind your son that its being a good friend to respect peoples' needs for alone time. This hasn't ENTIRELY worked with my son, but it has helped to curb his stalking behaviors....LOL

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M.H.

answers from Dallas on

We have a neighbor girl across the street that wants to come over everyday to play with my daughter. She is a sweet girl but honestly I'm fine with her only coming over about once a week. After working all day, I really don't want "extra" kids in my house. I think the solution may be that your son not be allowed to knock on their door but you call in advance and ask his mom if he can come play at your house.

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H.M.

answers from Dallas on

I would talk to the other mother. She might not mind at all. I have a neighbor that tells my kids to come over any time they want to. I don't let them every time cause they would live over there if they could. So it might not be as big of a thing as you think. Some houses just draw kids!

Good luck with what ever you decided and God Bless!

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C.M.

answers from Boston on

I'm curious why you don't have the other little boy come over to play at YOUR house.

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M.G.

answers from Dallas on

Just tell your son that he and this boy can have a weekly playdate (coordinate w/ the boys mom - one week, your son goes to their house, the next week, the boy comes to your house). And that is that. You are the mom, so you just tell your son that he can only play with his friend once a week. Besides, I'm sure he sees him all the time at school, right? Are they in the same kindergarten class?

J.P.

answers from Stockton on

Why don't you talk to the mother - I know that I have no problem with kids coming over to the house to play with my kids. They are welcome anytime. She may feel the same way, but you will never know if you don't ask! You might also want to exchange phone numbers so that you can get a hold of each other if needed.....

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M.K.

answers from Kansas City on

I have to say that I do not agree with sticking to a one playdate and that is that attitude. I would be upset if I could only see my friends once a week, especially if they live next door.

We just moved into a new neighborhood and my 6 year old has a new best friend next door. We have talked to the boy's parents and we all have an understanding. They can both play at both houses and we have no problems telling each others kids 'no' if it's not a good time. Karate? Nope, sorry, x can play later. Church? Nope sorry. Dinner time? Maybe later.

Talk to the mom and let her know you would like to know when too much is too much.

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K.S.

answers from Detroit on

I would talk with the mother. Maybe you can even come up with a schedule where you can each have a free hour to go do earrands or an exercise class. A friend of mine who lived down the street and I did this with 4 kids between us. We loved it . Every tuesday I took her kids for 1 1/2 hours and she took mine on Thursdays. the kids loved it too. we usually did it in the morning after the kids ate. so we didn't have to feed anyone. If you come from the angle of helping each other then everybody wins. and you save money and your mental health. alone for 1 1/2 hours aaahhhh! Good luck.

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