Woman called ‘unreasonable’ for request to neighbours

Unless you live remotely, the actions and behaviour of neighbours can impact your day-to-day life. 

One woman took to Mumsnet to ask if she was being unreasonable by asking the children who live next door to be quiet until 10am on a weekend. 

The post read: “I know I’m going to get mixed comments on this but aibu for expecting a bit of peace on a Sunday morning until 10?” 

She explained how the neighbours on one side “have been out moving cars about to clean, young daughter has been out on her bike and ringing the bell”. 

The house on the other side of hers are “selfish t******” and allow their “small children outside banging, screaming before 9am”, which she can hear because her bedroom window is next to the garden and open due to the warm weather. 

The woman wanted advice from other users: “So aibu to expect them to keep it down a bit or is it just a case of ‘oh well we’re up and awake so f* anyone else?’

“When my kids were younger, not long ago, I wouldn’t dream of letting them out before a reasonable time.” 

Quionawoman remarked: “I would say a reasonable time is more like 8am rather than 10. Almost half the day is over by then!” 

PPPourii added: “8am is reasonable in summer I think. Sorry. I remember when dc were little and had been up since 5am, keeping them quiet and in the house until 8 seemed like a massive feat.” 

WeWereInParis agreed: “I think you’re unreasonable to expect peace until 10am, especially if you’re including moving and washing cars as examples of unacceptable noise.” 

Lilacsparkles said: “I think 8am is much too early. I wont let ours play out in the garden until about 9.30/10 and we do tell them not to shout/scream. Yes our children have a right to use their garden but I think our neighbours also have the right to be a bit of peace on Sunday morning!” 

But there were plenty of other people who disagreed and said neighbours needed to be more considerate. 

Bringonthesunforwashing explained: “I don’t get the people saying 8 is okay – on a Sunday morning?!! It is basic common knowledge to be a considerate neighbour to not make any noise whatever the time of year, until after 10 on a Sunday morning. Anything else is entitled and selfish.” 

Appelofmyeye2023 wrote: “I grew up in 70s and certainly we were told to make no noise for 9am Saturday and 10am Sundays. I’ve always stuck to that , never use mower, car vacuum, or even talk outside before that.” 

The woman updated the thread: “I appreciate the comments, 10am is probably a stretch considering the weather. Car washer started at 7.45 and the other sides dog was yapping at 7 then kids start. 

“We’re in a road where everyone else is quiet but we’re just unfortunate enough to be sandwiched between the noisiest residents. And yes, I have been looking on Rightmove.”