'My neighbours treat us like free childcare - I'm exhausted'

A family claims their neighboursare ruining their summer by treating them like free childcare. An upset parent posting on Reddit shared how their neighbours often expect them to look after their four-year-old. Writing on r/neighborsfromhell, the parent claimed: "Our new neighbours moved in this past winter, so we’ve known them for maybe three months. At first, everything was great.

"They seemed friendly, and ourkids(along with the other neighbourhood kids) got along well. Our neighbourhood has this informal setup where the kids 'yard hop,'and we all take turns supervising. It’s been a really fun, communal vibe... until recently.

"The dynamic completely changed when the wife returned to work from maternity leave. It became immediately clear that the husband cannot handle both of their kids on his own, especially their older child (age 4)."

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The post continued: "Within minutes of getting home, he finds whatever neighbour child is outside and dumps his 4-year-old with them — no heads-up, no check-in with the adult at home, no offer to return shortly or hang around. He’ll say something vague like “I need to check on the baby” and then disappear for 1–2 hours.

"I’m not exaggerating. He’s literally opened my closed backyard gate, sent his child in, and walked past me on the porch without saying a single word — leaving me to supervise without ever asking if that’s okay."

The concerned parent explained that the child needs lots of supervision. "My problem with this is that their child isn’t self-sufficient like the other neighbourhood kids. They still need help using the bathroom, getting dressed, eating snacks, riding a bike, etc. I don’t mind helping kids in general — but helping someone else’s 4-year-old with personal care like bathroom use or dressing? That crosses a line."

While the family has spoken to the dad about the issue, the post's author said the neighbours do not respect their boundaries. "Every single time we swim, they send their child over in a swimsuit. No asking. No checking if it’s okay. They just open the gate and in their child comes. We’ve sent them back to get an adult, but when the dad finally does show up, he plops on a deck chair, stares at his phone, and still doesn’t watch. Meanwhile, their child needs constant assistance in the pool," they wrote.

"We’ve tried setting firm limits, like saying 'no swimming today' when we’re hosting a family-only event. Their child throws a huge meltdown. And suddenly we’re the villains for not letting someone else’s kid crash our pool party."

Unfortunately, the situation is taking a toll. The parent added: "I’m exhausted. I didn’t sign up to be their free babysitter, lifeguard, snack provider, and summer camp coordinator. My subtle boundary-setting has been completely ignored. I’ve tried being polite, but it’s not working. I don’t want to cause drama or burn bridges.

"They’re going to be here long-term and our kids will likely go to school together. But I now hide inside when they’re outside because I just can’t deal with them anymore and my summer is being tainted because they have no boundaries."

Responding to the post, commenters shared advice for the family. One said: "You just stop letting the kid ever be there. Take him back every single time. Tell the dad he is only allowed over if you invite him." Another comment read: "'No' is a complete sentence. Walk the child back to his house and say, 'I am not watching your child today'. Repeat."