How to tell the neighbor kids "no"?

We had the same problem... exactly only I have sons.

When we moved I took the opportunity to instill some new 'rules'...

I told the boys that during the school week they weren't allowed to have friends over. Then on the weekends if anyone came knocking on our door, the boys would have to tell them they had to ask first and if I didn't want them playing with that particular kid, I would just say no. Put your foot down. And if you don't mind them playing together, tell them they can play but only outside. This keeps them out of your house and 'at bay' so to speak.

You don't mention how old your kids are, but mine are 7 and 10. At this age, they don't use the phone and so they can't call to see if their friends can play... they can only go to the door and ask. If you don't want them at your house, tell them that today you don't want any company but that your kids can go to their house. If they say they can't have any company, then oh well.. your kids and they are in the same boat, I guess playing is out today. You would be surprised how many parents will let your kids come over once they figure out theirs can't play at your house.

It is the perfect season to keep the kids outside. I hate to say, but just put your foot down. If you don't want company, say so. As for watching other peoples kids... I am the same way. I don't have everyone watching mine, so I don't watch other peoples kids. Don't have a kid if you aren't going to take care of them. So, when someone asks I just tell them sorry, I am not comfortable watching other peoples kids. Period.

Just decide when and where and how much you want kids at your house and set the rule and put your foot down. The kids here know now that I don't let anyone in the house. If they want to play.. they need to be outside.

I hope this helped you some.... I feel your pain, lol.

It sounds rude on the outside... but I think you have every right to say no.

Good Luck!!! :)

I just open the door and tell them to their face that my kids can't play right now, they have chores to do. Depending on how I'm feeling, I might say that they might come over later. Then I smile and say, "bye." and close the door.

Or, when the doorbell rings, I hear the kids rushing to the door, and I just say "no", and they take it from there. My kids know they don't get to play every single time the doorbell rings.

If they're in my house, and I'm ready for them to leave, I just say, "OK. It's time for you to go now. We have some things we need to get done. Thanks for coming over. Bye!"

While it is always important to be polite, sometimes you have to be much more politely DIRECT with kids. They don't take a hint, so you have to tell them exactly what you want them to do, even if what you want them to do is to get out of your house.

If there's a problem with them ringing the bell or calling, I tell them exactly what they're allowed to do, such as "please don't come over until after 10 a.m.", or "don't ring the bell more than once. Sometimes we're not available to come to the door." Kids have to have it all explained to them.

The funny thing is, kids seem to like it. The kid next door told me she thinks of me as a second mother, even though I have been extremely direct with her about a number of things, and I'm always telling to leave.

SIMPLE: Be mature about the situation and approach their mother in a very civil, mature and respectful manner. Explain to her that you do appreciate her efforts in trying to establish a relationship, but you do require your space. If she then becomes offended, then LUCKY YOU - that means you won't see much of her or even better, her kids. Not only that, if she in fact becomes offended, she's just an immature &*^%$, someone you DON'T need in your life!! You'll be fine!! Take my advice!!

Just speak to the parents. Tell them you don't feel comfortable for personal and insurance reasons. Tell her that you don't have any special training as a babysitter, and wouldn't feel comfy having all the children over.

Say your not good at babysitting a lot of children, or say you don't want to take the responsibility.