Having good neighbors when you have children is a lifesaver. If you are considering a move and you have small children, I highly encourage you choose a house primarily based on your neighbors. OK - maybe not primarily, but good neighbors can make life sooo much easier!
Survey the neighborhood, conduct interviews if necessary, or lurk in your car in the evenings before you make an offer! Good neighbors that also have kids will keep you sane - especially if you live the nomadic existence of a military family.
These are just a few of the reasons I LOVE my neighbors with kids.
1. You do not have to plan a play date in advance with your neighbors. Your conversation or text goes something like this, "Hey neighbor, are you guys dressed? Great, let's meet outside in 10 minutes." This is much easier than trying to coordinate a play date for next week. You can wait until the very last minute to make plans and take out the variables of your child's mood and health that always interfere with scheduled play dates.
2. Very little time is invested if one of your children decides to act like a heathen. You just walk home.
3. You aren't expected to provide snacks.
4. You aren't expected to provide entertainment. No complicated craft project for the neighborhood kids! They can play with toys or play outside.
5. You house is not expected to be 'clean' for company. Your neighbors can see your house as it really is. I mean, I can't fake being a good housekeeper forever. If I invite 'new people' over for a play date, I spend all day cleaning. If you know me very well, you know this is really like lying.
6. Once sports, activities and school starts, imagine the car pooling possibilities!
7. You always have a handy sitter if something comes up.
8. You get to enjoy watching your kids grow up together.
Thank you to my great neighbors! What would I do without you?
You are right! I am so glad that you are my neighbor too! :)
ReplyDeleteI want neighbors like that! And you're so right that an ideal home would have great neighbors with kids similar in age and interests as your own kids. Maybe next time I'll do better!
ReplyDeleteIt's great when they are little, but drove me crazy once school age started. They were friend by default, they would constantly come in upset because somebody was mean. They all started fighting like siblings, but hardly ever wanted to play with their own sibs. It was constant drama living in a neighborhood. I'm so glad to be living in the boonies now. My kids get to choose their friends more and they play and bond with each other.
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