They broke my birdbath

[Thrifty Bee]

I decided this summer to take the “trying to make this tiny apartment a home” one step farther by enjoying the outside more. I put up a bird feeder and a hummingbird feeder, started grilling out, and got some yard chairs to set outside in; not everything has to be expensive to be enjoyable. I’ve actually enjoyed it so much that when I read on the back of the birdseed bag that I should provide plenty of fresh water for the birds I decided to buy a birdbath.

Well I didn’t have it outside a whole hour before the kids got it, and now it’s torn up. I don’t want to hear that kids will be kids, and that I should have known better. What about the kids knowing better? Why do their parents think that their children taking and destroying other people’s property is no big deal? Why do they feel that I should think the same?

I think I’m going to become very disliked. I can’t do anything about the birdbath because I didn’t see for myself who did what and they’re all pointing fingers. But I will be watching, and I may catch what happens, or better said, “who happens” next time. I don’t care how inexpensive the item is, this is going to stop if I have to call the police and press charges. Lord, I hope I never forget to lock my door.

[pittsburgh24]

If the kids are pointing fingers, maybe you should talk to their parents - they should buy you another bird bath IMO.

If my son had ever been involved with breaking someone else's property, I would feel obligated to pay for or contribute (if there were more than 1 child involved).

[loaslaen]

At first I thought you might mean your own kids tore it up, which is bad enough, but happens...but to hear it's neighbor kids...parents need to teach their kids respect for other's property. Sorry to hear that happened to you. If one of my kids did that to your property, you better bet they'd be in for some punishment and would be sent over immediately to apologize. If they didn't do it but were outside and saw who did it, you better bet I'd be grilling them for information on who did it as well.

[NIGHTB1022]

Are you in a "house" type apartment or an apartment complex? If you're in a house type apartment, have a talk with the parents and tell them you are entitled as well to use the yard as you pay rent like they do.

However if it is an apartment complex, it is probably considered "common" area and in that case, anyone is entitled to be on any portion of the common elements of the building, ie... driveways, walks, yard.

Sorry that happened to you, I know how upset I would be as that is one thing I cherish is my yard and the ability to relax and enjoy watching the birds feed.

[ironeagle48162]

I hope next time those kids are outside, a bird or two poops on their heads. Karma's a b*&%*. LOL

I wish parents would teach their kids respect, too, but it seems the adults don't know respect, either. I can't tell you how many cigarette butts and other trash we find in our yard on a daily basis. I don't litter and I would like the same courtesy extended to me, but I guess that's too much to ask for nowadays. :sad:

[NIGHTB1022]

I hope next time those kids are outside, a bird or two poops on their heads. Karma's a b*&%*. LOL

I wish parents would teach their kids respect, too, but it seems the adults don't know respect, either. I can't tell you how many cigarette butts and other trash we find in our yard on a daily basis. I don't litter and I would like the same courtesy extended to me, but I guess that's too much to ask for nowadays. :sad:

It's amazing how rude and disrespectful everyone has become in general, I don't know if it's the economy making everyone crabby & irritable, but I have noticed that it seems everywhere I go, someone is crabbing about something all the time. Makes me want to turn tail and run home and just stay there. After working all day that is the last thing I want to have to hear, I listen to it all day long.

[AniGirl]

I can understand your frustration! We live in an apartment complex that shares a common courtyard, and we have some extremely rude and inconsiderate neighbors. Some of the children ride their bikes in the parking lot (which is just downright dangerous, considering some people speed in and out of the parking lot), and I've seen many instances where a few tenants' children have been tossing a ball (baseball type of ball, not a soft one!) near the parked cars. I'm a preschool teacher and mom to a young son myself, so believe me, I do understand the whole "kids will be kids" mentality. But even if your courtyard is a common area (not sure if that's the type of setup you have), yes, it gives any tenant the right to be out there, but doesn't give them the right to destroy someone else's property. I get upset when parents can't seem to be bothered to supervise their children; it benefits no one, especially the child.

[shashabell]

Do the parents know that the kids did this?

If it were my kids, I'd make it appoligize, ground him, and get with the other mothers of the other kds and get money to replace it.

[frugalstafar]

there is no longer any regard for other peoples stuff. a lot of parents don't bother to teach the bare minimum in manners anymore. I am so sick of spoiled brats and undisciplined kids running free with no consequences.

[cearhart]

I agree with all the posts! I make my kids be respectful. I get upset if they walk through the neighbors grass. I don't like them to be disrespectful. I would not ok with this happening to me I would probably already addressed this issue to someone (the parents, the police). I hope you get the problem resolved. Best of luck to you.