How can I deal with our neighbor and her loud children?

She's a single parent, has 3 kids between 4-7, they live behind us. These kids are louder than most kids, they don't just play but constantly fight and cry and whine and have a small dog who they chase and cause it to bark non stop. I understand they're kids and when kids play they're loud but this happens every day from 5pm until 9 or 10pm and I can't enjoy my backyard b/c of this.
I never hear their mom go out there and tell them to keep it down or check on them, so it's kind of like a lord of the flies situation, they just do what they want.
They've gotten so loud that I've thought of walking over to their house and having a talk with the mom. I don't want to start a war and possibly make matters worse.
What should I do?

2011-04-10T14:05:30Z

**Lessismore: If you read my question you could've seen I'm not against children playing. I'm against children playing loud even when most kids are already inside getting ready for bed. They do have the right to play, but as an adult I have more right to enjoy a quiet evening in my backyard, especially since I own my house and my naighbor rents hers.
Contrary to this "new society" mindset, kids don't have more rights than adults and sure as heck they don't have the right to behave like little animals.

?2011-04-10T13:18:01Z

Favorite Answer

You have the right to "peaceable enjoyment of the premises" regarding your home. I don't know where you live, but don't young children have a curfew?

I would go over to visit the mother (perhaps with something home-baked) and very tactfully explain the situation without any name-calling or malice. If she is reasonable, this may help.

I wish you all the best.

Anonymous2011-04-10T13:29:11Z

If the children are between 4 and 7 they are out very late. I would be inclinded to go round and have a chat with mom. Say you realize that children are noisy but you'd like a bit of quiet at some point and could you agree an hour each day when the children will play quietly if they are outddors?

Lessismore2011-04-10T13:07:41Z

They have every right to behave this way in their outdoor space. At least the kids are outside getting exercise blowing off steam, and not sitting in front of the TV or computer.