I appreciate the fact ‘times are a’changin’.’
However, I also think respect and courtesy shouldn’t disappear or hide when you are among friends.
We have a basketball net at the end of our driveway. The neighbourhood kids use the basketball net. (I think the kids should ask if it’s OK to use it rather than just start playing, but apparently I am alone in this view).
So this weekend, the baby and I are playing in his new favourite toy – my car – when I hear a basketball being dribbled down the street. I watch as a neighbourhood teen and his friend start shooting hoops. I also watch as they move the net to a position more to their liking.
As the baby and I exit the car, I see one of the boys hanging off the net. Now the basketball net is one of those portable ones. It isn’t meant to withstand danglers, particularly tall and skinny ones or short and fat ones.
I say hello to the boys at the end of my driveway and ask them to be careful with the net, which they confirm they will be.
As the baby and I head off to the park, I see the ball heading toward the cars and I also see one of the boys pick up this long pole from our property and lower the net.
When we come back, the boys are gone.
Yesterday, my husband noticed the backboard, made out of plastic, is broken, a giant chunk of it lying on the net’s base.
I am annoyed.
If you using something that is not yours, treat it – and the owners – better than you would treat your own things.
I understand the initial reaction when something unpleasant happens is to run away. We all have that feeling. However, one hopes the better part of you steps forward, admits you have done wrong and offers to replace the thing you have broken.
This, of course, didn’t happen.
As I didn’t see the event happen, I can’t accuse the neighbour of breaking the net. However, I think we can go to his house and ask if he knows anything about it. If he says no, we will have to leave it at that. If he says yes, we can talk about respect.
Times are different. Respect, courtesy and doing the right thing should be one of those things that never go out of style.
13 comments:
Stopping by from SITS. Sorry for the net. Sadly, you can't assume that people understand appropriate behavior and there is nothing wrong with telling them ahead of time. Hope it works out!
too bad . unfortunately people's definition on appropriate behvaiour is extremely subjective and varying.
Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Persis
http://onestylemile.blogspot.com/
You are totally right on all accounts Lisa. If you wish to use something that is not yours you should ask first. If you are asked not to do something, especially if it is not yours, you should follow the rules. If you break something that is not yours you should have enough courtsey and respect to own up to your actions. Sadly it is parents who are responsible for teaching their children to be respectful and courteous and it seems these days these are not a valued character traits – I’m not exactly sure why?!
As a mother, I would hope that my children would remember everything I taught them and 'fess up to something like that if they were responsible, as opposed to running away. I hope you get some answers soon.
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. Have a great day!
Kristi, Live and Love...Out Loud
@TweetingMama
Oh Lis, this just sucks! I completely agree with Stephanie. I think you should definitely go and ask what happened to the net and suggest firmly that since it wasn't broken before they started playing with it and it was after that they should pay to replace it. And then stay off your property.
Cheers :-)
Jo
- CoconutPalmDesigns
oh man i would be mad!
I totally agree with you. We are very big on trying to teach our little ones respect from a very young age. I hope your chat with the neighbors works out well.
Thanks for stopping by today. I live in NC & our last frost date is April 24th around here. That is why I can start planting at the beginning of May :)
I understand your feelings Lisa but, "kids" just don't come up and use someone elses stuff unless, someone...... said it was okay from day one. Unfortunately, the only thing you can do is take it down or, when you see kids using it without asking, tell them to leave. Sorry Lisa but I'm for the kids this time.
It disgusts me to no end how rude and disrespectful "today's" kids are. Or just kids in general compared to how you and I were. I hope and pray that I am teaching my kids better than that, including manners. Which they often forget so I am not so sure...As a daycare provider, I see rudeness ALL the time, and it pisses me off! I have a million stories, but they all just make my blood boil so I will try not to think of them. I think you should go and ask them if they know what happened to the net.
Sexy Nerd would have been furious! Once, a group of kids was playing baseball in the street by our house (nevermind that there are TWO parks inside our neighborhood!) The ball hit his truck. No damage was done, but he took off running after them and had a word with each of their parents.
Our house was egged the following weekend!
I think it's time for your net to move to the backyard.
Lamb’s Most Recent Post: Cruising, HGTV Green Home, CRAZY Sexy Nerd and LAZY Me
Thanks so much for visiting me on my SITS Day! I am finally getting the chance to meet and greet the fabulous ladies who showed some love for me. Hope to see you at Theta Mom again! :)
That's terrible, especially as they're teens. I would expect that kind of behavior from kids who don't know better, but teenagers should be owning up to their mistakes.
I am with you on the manners thing! I grew up in a small town where you had to be polite or your mama would hear about it before you even got home. Now I'm in the suburbs of Houston and, well, things are just not the same. We had a birthday party (mostly 9 yr olds) and served chickfila nuggets and one of the girls actually whined because she "only like mcdonald's nuggets!" I was in shock.
DEFINITELY go talk to their parents. I write a note and post it on the pole, too.
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