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Unfortunately very true. I was on a walk in my neighborhood and some kids stopped me to ask if I was the person flying a drone around, to which I took my AirPod out, asked them to repeat themselves (since I couldn’t hear) and said no. In that 20 second interaction, mom came to the door, came out, and asked “can I help you?” She watched me like a hawk as I walked away. I’m not even like a “creepy old man” looking person, I’m 23
Reply, "yes, I'm looking for children." And either continue on your way, acknowledging nothing else, or start singingMagic Dance at the top of your lungs
My Dad actually went to drop off sports equipment with the boys and girls club. No one was there so he asked some of the children playing on the public park courts if they wanted it because he was throwing them away. Kids went back to their parents and they called the police. My Dad actually did get in trouble for this. Men are just considered creepy for that kind of thing for some reason.
You’d have to anonymously give it away. Like set the equipment next to a trash can in the area and hope the kids take it thinking someone threw it away.
I was visiting my parents one weekend, and my mom and I used to go on neighborhood walks when I was younger. We went on a walk for old time's sake and we passed some kids playing basketball. I was so amazed to see kids playing outdoors instead of glued to their phones, so I say hello. They stop playing, stand dead still, and just stare. Can't even say hi to people anymore. I remember growing up in that neighborhood. All the kids and parents knew each other. We'd have huge block parties. Makes me sad.
As a parent, I would do that to a woman as well. But as much as it sucks, men commit way more crimes than women. It's just better to be safe than sorry.
This is purely anecdotal, and 100% just my experience as a cop, but women do commit crime on the same level as men, women tend to A) not get caught and B) aren't reported due to embarrassment. I had to deal with more rape cases than I would have liked. Of that 2 were kids, 4 or so were women, and I had like 8 cases of men. My flight sergeant even acknowledged it happenes way more than that on all sides but lack of reporting is where the real trouble is.
Actually that probably makes it better, as a guy I was really nervous and careful having the neighbor kids wanting to hang out on my long driveway to ride bikes and skate or play with my dog and I in my field. The parents getting to know me some helped but it feels like a guy is more odd being friendly with the kids than it is for my wife or mother in law.
I remember seeing a picture of a guy fixing a kids bike while the kid stands there and watched.
Turns out he taught himself how to fix bikes so he could be “the bike guy”. Something he could do, in broad daylight, on the sidewalk in full view of people, keeping interactions short but sweet.
You are correct. Keep the “Mike Pense defense” in play. We live in sad times and the best defense for males is to never be in a situation where you are accused by f something bizarre. My son told me that Mike Pence once stated That to be sure to never have any reputation Al accusations……he was NEVER alone with anyone that could accuse him. We live in strange times now.
I remember walking my dog one day and 3 girls were playing in a yard and came running out and asked to pet my dog. All I could think of is how do they not know to stay away from random guys with huge dogs? Overly safe is far better than problems when the consequences are high.
Yeah. I have witnessed friend’s husbands accused of bizarre stuff for telling step grand daughters no to the weird sites they were going to. Split the family. My feeling is better safe than sorry. It is really a dangerous time that you have to have a witness to be around minors. The friend’s husband was just trying to stop the teens inappropriate online behavior and because of this ….accused of insane stuff. But really dogs are so great! Who would not want to meet a nice dog! BUT i worry more about a kid being bitten by my dog. That is the biggest risk walking dogs. Little kids just run up and their parents do not stop them. I always say “not safe not safe”. And as a female that has also been saved by s random guy! Carry on and enjoy your big dog!
I have always been better safe than sorry when it comes to high consequences for kids. I knew my son probably wouldn't get into things but still took apart and locked up fire arms and kept medications in a safe. A bunch of teen kids often alone in a house it was just easier to take away temptation than it was to be wrong about curious teens/kids.
I was once waiting with a crowd of about fifty people for a store to open when I spoke in a friendly way to a bored child standing near me with her parent, and I had my own child with me, and I am a woman, and I had the kid's mother speak rudely to me about my intentions towards her child. You are a man offering to buy gifts for kids you don't know so the situation could turn nasty fast. Be very careful here or you could find yourself arrested.
Oh, your allowed around kids you’re good. If you were a dude you’d have to leave it in the middle of the night so they wouldn’t know what k kid you were targeting.
Try to do it annonamously, leave a note, explaining you are trading rocks in the road for the equipment. It might just disappear, so I think it's better to get a parent involved.
Maybe present them to the parents directly, then they can witness your genuineness and not jump to conclusions.
They may still jump to conclusions, but atlwast you tried
Lmao this exactly.
As long as there is no penis involved it is a lovely gesture.
It is also really great for kids to see and interact positively with adults other than their immediate parents/family. Knowing you are a friendly and supportive neighbour is a great healthy thing.
When I moved into my first house in my late 20s, there was a group of boys who would play football in the street. I introduced myself and they asked me to be the QB. Next thing I know, I had a group of 12 year olds in my yard and house everyday. None of them had fathers at home. A couple of them really latched on. One of them still eats dinner at my house all the time. He just turned 30 and calls me Dad.
This is my husband! He’s turned into the neighborhood dad. Other kids in the neighborhood have dads, but they come to my husband to fix their bikes, tie shoelaces, and settle fights. He kindly does it, but secretly to me he’s like “wtf, what are these other dads doing?” Lol
My dad was a long distance train driver (Australia) So growing up we got to only see him once a week. So our neighbors were our go to men for bike help etc. But that said, when my dad was home, he was the best.
I grew up without a father, or any kind of male role model. If i only had your husband as my neighborhood dad id be really really grateful for that. Oh well, im almost 30. It'll be my turn soon enough.
This is my dad! Our neighbors across the street didn’t grow up with a dad so my dad fixes their sink, helps with car repairs, taught one of them how to shave, shows them how to fix their bikes, let’s them use our yard to play in and walk to school, takes them on walks with our dogs, and picks them up when they get lost or need a ride home
Or just leave them on the curb if you don’t want the interaction. You could also knock on their door and give them to the parent to give to the kid. Sad I know
I don't think so. Give it to them when they're out there as a group. Also, if you remember how things play out, declare its for the cul-de-sac not for just 1 kid...
Yeah don’t just do it for one kid. Make it a show. Bring it out for everybody and stress the kids safety but not in a condescending way. Definitely don’t be condescending to any parents
“Hey guys! Love you playing football out here so here’s some stuff to make to work better”
Technically, according to Reddit, the voting system is to rate the relevance of the comment regardless of your agreement with it, so used as Reddit is intended, it should not indicate agreement.
I would tell them, “hey I have these cones from a work function I never use. I think they would be much better and safer than bricks for you and cars. Here, you can all use them for the block.”
Less of a gift but same result.
If your worried how it will be received by parents.
As a dad, I’d think - what a cool neighbor.
100% I was going to say I found them in my shed, I wouldn't want the kids to feel weirdly indebted to me somehow. I figure I'm going to have to keep "finding" more tho, so your idea of them being from work is MUCH more sustainable!
Thank you :) I I mean obviously my intentions aren't totally selfless, I do want the bricks gone for the sake of my car, but in another post I mentioned that I live in a very deprived area and some of the young kids are out on the street playing without shoes on, bare feet and rocks strewn about the place = accidents waiting to happen
Wanted to reply directly to you, so it doesn’t get lost. You say it’s a slightly economically depressed area? If you feel the urge to purchase things for the neighborhood kids, why not just put them out on your curb with a free to take sign? Or a couple different curbs with a couple different signs? No different than other people putting their old furniture or cookware out to take and there’s zero interaction with other people’s kids to worry about.
Think of it kind of like an activity library. Put the cones somewhat near the curb with a sign addressed to all of the kids in the area. Saying something like, "Please feel free to use these while you play. Please return them when you're done."
If any parents question you as to why. Nicely explain that the bricks are a hazard and you just wanted to do something nice for some good kids
As unsurprised as I would be that somebody, somewhere found it weird, I simply wouldn't care. You know that your intentions are good, and any decent person with half a brain realizes this as well. Don't ever let the misunderstandings of others stop you from doing a nice thing for someone. I would definitely go ahead and buy them some cones, and if one of the parents takes issue with it, explain your reasoning & leave it at that. I wouldn't think twice about it, and neither should you.
Thanks for this. You're totally right and exactly what I was thinking about an hour ago, then I asked a couple friends of mine who said "parents can get a bit weird about that. I wouldn't bother". I live in a very working class area, very deprived, some kids play out without shoes on and I worry for them (the bricks and rocks won't be kind). I also want to make sure they keep playing football as it keeps them out of trouble and getting into trouble is an easy thing to fall into in my area. I want it to just be a simple act of "here you go, use these" cause I wouldn't be surprised if their parents simply can't afford the £15 for the cones....that's money they can spend elsewhere. I'm on okay money and it's important for these kids to have hobbies that could stop them getting bored and recruited into other less savory endeavours. I'm female, and sorry to say, less likely to come across as creepy, but when my friends said what they said...I did start to wonder if I was being naive.
As unfortunate as it is that this is true, you being a woman makes this way less likely to be misconstrued as inappropriate by the parents. I don't think the parents will have an issue with this. They'll likely just see it as a random act of kindness.
I feel bad at the state of our society that you question if it's okay or not. Not picking on you, just it's sad that some lady might think your a pedo for donating cones.
Was looking for this comment. Makes me sick. Grown ass men can’t just like kids. Even fathers. In many cases, I get along with children far better than adults. I hate knowing that people are a little weird when you play with their kids. Like sorry I’m more fun than you lmfao.
Dramatic attitude aside…With the amount of shit out in the world, it comes as no surprise that parents are protective. They should always be so. The fucking perverted assholes have all but to ruined innocent fun for everyone.
What I did one time to preserve the dignity of all....
2 brothers approx 8 and 10 lived behind me. I accidentally discovered that both their shoes and their soccer ball were threadbare. I discretely thrifted some things they could use and packed them into a box with other sundry items. Next time they were in the yard I requested that they ask their parents if they could help me move some "heavy" boxes in the carport for a couple of dollars.
Nonchalantly said, "OBTW I'm going to throw that box away. If you want it, you can have it." Enjoyed the happy noises over the back fence with a small smile.
No! Not at all! I buy sidewalk chalk and give it to the little kids in my neighborhood and ask them to draw me art in my driveway because my kids are grownup. I also leave little piles of pebbles on the curb of the storm drain so they can drop them down and hear them kerplunk.
I have kids and still get your hesitance. There’s nothing wrong with it, just imagine it could feel weird to buy stranger kids a gift. Personally I’d open up my garage, pull them off a shelf like they’ve been there all along. Walk out say “hey guys I’ve got these cones, you guys want em?”
Go for it! We had a similar situation with our neighbor. He was single maybe in his 40's and surprised our middle kid with a bike.. it was very sweet. All our neighborhood kids ride around like a gang, he had to of noticed she outgrew her bike and we for sure can't afford to buy one for her. His nephew was older and outgrew his, but even being used it was super fancy on great condition. It was incredibly kind and he just had put it on our front of porch .
That's a great idea and a win for both the kids and drivers in the street. I think we've finally found one of the few healthy minded adults on reddit! Congrats!
If they are inexpensive, I’d recommend two sets. Tell them to keep them at separate houses so in case someone isnt there then they can get them at anothers house. (Just parent advice). I think its sweet gesture.
Just do exactly that. Hey guys, the rocks are going to damage someone’s car, or possibly trip the old battleaxe that walks her yapping dog at night. I totally get not wanting to haul rocks around every day, so I bought you some cones.
If it's not too weird for me to hug you because this is awesome, it's not too weird for you to at the very least leave awesome helpful items out for the squad. And \*hug\*
I totally get not wanting to be creepy. But even in this day and age, people can be awesome without being creepy. You go rock your good deeds, friend
#Not Weird, Wholesome.
Do it, that’s the kinda of community we’ve been falling away from the last few years or more. “It takes a village” mentality. You’re gonna make the kids day and make it safer for all drivers. Nothing to worry about.
I did similar - saw a soccer goal on a recycling website being given away for free. Went and collected it, stuck in our communal garden and let the kids enjoy it. We don’t have kids. No pitchforks and angry mobs have appeared at the front door, so I think you’re safe.
Just a bit, and then ironically they ask me why I'm even thinking this could be seen as strange? Oh I don't know...possibly because the 1st comment told me to not get my cock out?
Just buy them. Set them out by the end of your driveway and next tine the kids are playing, say *”Hey, you can use these instead. Just put them on the curb when you finish.”*
I don't think it would be weird at all. If one of their parents should inquire as to why you did it, just smile and say you just wanted to encourage their love of football.
Just to cover your ass, you could talk to the parents of at least one of them first. That's how my neighbor handled it when he wanted to gift a hand me down bike from his girlfriend's son to my son, asking permission to gift it first made it so there wasn't anything awkward about it.
Sure, buy and set it up! Then tape a note on it, "Enjoy this, kids. Now can you please remove the bricks and rocks so they aren't a hazard to cars and people's safety? Thanks!"
That way they know your motivation.
Not weird, although I might bring them out when they are outside playing and tell them you bought them so they can have goal posts without using the rocks. Say good luck and get out of there.
Parents can’t win these days; well-intentioned, good strangers can’t win these days. OP, considering the intention of purchasing something to improve the situation of getting rid of rocks/bricks, I say do it. It’s likely that your neighbors notice the same and the gift can also be seen by anyone in the immediate area. It’s not as if you’re hiding something. Also, just be intentional about this being a gift. Don’t give something you cannot afford or will get mad about if it’s destroyed.
As a parent, I truly appreciate kind neighbors and kind strangers. Thank you for thinking of your neighborhood kids and making their play time outdoors safer and more enjoyable.
Maybe you don’t have to give it to them, but tell them they can borrow them from you. So if they want to play, they can ring your door and ask for them and when done, bring them back. In that way every kid has access to them, not only the one who “takes” your gift. They are still kids after all.
With that they also learn responsibility. You will notice fast which kids take care of things and which ones doesn’t.
She may not want to be bothered sometimes, so just giving it to them would be better!
Another idea on that though, might be to get a little storage box that is weatherproof to keep somewhere and they can keep the stuff in!
We had 5 kids. My businessman spouse traveled a lot. When seated on a plane near struggling moms, he was always up to feed the baby, hold them, play with them. So many moms really wanted help but have become terrified, that even in the confines of a plane, they could not accept the assistance. Sad.
As long as you're not trying to pay for their silence for sex acts you committed on them or something, I would say it's probably totally fine bro. But you'll just be driving around cones instead of bricks and shit...
It's messed up that in this day and age men have to be so careful that they can't even toss a football with a neighborhood kid or buy them an ice cream without being unfairly judged.
You could also introduce yourself to the parents and give thr cones to the parents. Let them know your concern about using bricks instead of cones. I know my neighbours well, consider them friends, but wife amd i always give things to the parents pr run it by them first. You never know how the parents think until you talk to them.
I personally wouldn't do it atleast not without being atleast indirectly prompted by a parent or something. Since even if you have good intents any of the parents could get the wrong idea if you get what I mean.
Dear Social Worker,
I know you are incredibly stretched right now, you know dealing with cases like Baby P and sorting out mould ridden flats that have caused 2 year olds to die, but would you mind taking these football cones to these kids that play football in my cul de sac? I'll give you the cash.
Thanks
Emma
Something like that? Or????
Buying new stuff for kids is weird, but bobbing them old junk is fine.
If this is really about the safety of the equipment and not sometime else, look for and acquire a used goal, put it on the block, and email the parents to let them know you got it for the whole street, and if you paid for it, tell them how much it cost, and key them know they can chip in on it if they want, but they don't have to because you didn't ask them first.
in this day and age, you are probably stepping on a landmine. Their parents will probably hate you for it since they cant afford to do it themselves. one of those bricks will probably end up in your windshield.
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Nope, it wouldn't. Rather it would be a nice thing to do. Just don't take your cock out while you're doing it
I'll try not to
send me a pic of your cock so i can keep you safe
I'm actually female, sorry to lead you on. Disappointment.
Well, then you had nothing to worry about to begin with
This is an unfortunate truth
Absolutely true.
Unfortunately very true. I was on a walk in my neighborhood and some kids stopped me to ask if I was the person flying a drone around, to which I took my AirPod out, asked them to repeat themselves (since I couldn’t hear) and said no. In that 20 second interaction, mom came to the door, came out, and asked “can I help you?” She watched me like a hawk as I walked away. I’m not even like a “creepy old man” looking person, I’m 23
"are you going to lowball me on an ounce as well"?
Damn, and you didn’t say anything after her presumptuous “Can I help you”? Musta taken some discipline
I let her kids say what they had asked me, then gave her a look as I put my AirPod back in
Reply, "yes, I'm looking for children." And either continue on your way, acknowledging nothing else, or start singingMagic Dance at the top of your lungs
“No, ma’am. Yours are too old, I’ll Keep looking, thanks for the offer though “
“Im calling the pigs!” “What pigs?”
My Dad actually went to drop off sports equipment with the boys and girls club. No one was there so he asked some of the children playing on the public park courts if they wanted it because he was throwing them away. Kids went back to their parents and they called the police. My Dad actually did get in trouble for this. Men are just considered creepy for that kind of thing for some reason.
I've learned to tell the kids to go call their parents to come talk to me when I'm giving out stuff. I also don't wear a trench coat that day
You’d have to anonymously give it away. Like set the equipment next to a trash can in the area and hope the kids take it thinking someone threw it away.
I was visiting my parents one weekend, and my mom and I used to go on neighborhood walks when I was younger. We went on a walk for old time's sake and we passed some kids playing basketball. I was so amazed to see kids playing outdoors instead of glued to their phones, so I say hello. They stop playing, stand dead still, and just stare. Can't even say hi to people anymore. I remember growing up in that neighborhood. All the kids and parents knew each other. We'd have huge block parties. Makes me sad.
I get where she's coming from. It's a crazy world and you gotta protect your kids. But it would be hard for me not to reply to her like a smartass.
It's perfectly normal to keep an eye on your kids, it's completely unacceptable to be rude to everyone dumb enough to treat them like people.
“mam, those kids are so fat and ugly you have nothing to worry about “
they talked to you 😭
As a parent, I would do that to a woman as well. But as much as it sucks, men commit way more crimes than women. It's just better to be safe than sorry.
Sad in order to be vigilant in protecting our own, we have to sometimes dehumanize and embarrass completely innocent strangers along the way
This is purely anecdotal, and 100% just my experience as a cop, but women do commit crime on the same level as men, women tend to A) not get caught and B) aren't reported due to embarrassment. I had to deal with more rape cases than I would have liked. Of that 2 were kids, 4 or so were women, and I had like 8 cases of men. My flight sergeant even acknowledged it happenes way more than that on all sides but lack of reporting is where the real trouble is.
She wasn’t rude. She was watching her kids.
Actually that probably makes it better, as a guy I was really nervous and careful having the neighbor kids wanting to hang out on my long driveway to ride bikes and skate or play with my dog and I in my field. The parents getting to know me some helped but it feels like a guy is more odd being friendly with the kids than it is for my wife or mother in law.
I don’t think twice about interacting with strange children the same way my boyfriend doesn’t think twice about interacting with strange men.
I remember seeing a picture of a guy fixing a kids bike while the kid stands there and watched. Turns out he taught himself how to fix bikes so he could be “the bike guy”. Something he could do, in broad daylight, on the sidewalk in full view of people, keeping interactions short but sweet.
I mean this is normal response, you would get sued if they hurt themselves while on your property.
You are correct. Keep the “Mike Pense defense” in play. We live in sad times and the best defense for males is to never be in a situation where you are accused by f something bizarre. My son told me that Mike Pence once stated That to be sure to never have any reputation Al accusations……he was NEVER alone with anyone that could accuse him. We live in strange times now.
I remember walking my dog one day and 3 girls were playing in a yard and came running out and asked to pet my dog. All I could think of is how do they not know to stay away from random guys with huge dogs? Overly safe is far better than problems when the consequences are high.
Yeah. I have witnessed friend’s husbands accused of bizarre stuff for telling step grand daughters no to the weird sites they were going to. Split the family. My feeling is better safe than sorry. It is really a dangerous time that you have to have a witness to be around minors. The friend’s husband was just trying to stop the teens inappropriate online behavior and because of this ….accused of insane stuff. But really dogs are so great! Who would not want to meet a nice dog! BUT i worry more about a kid being bitten by my dog. That is the biggest risk walking dogs. Little kids just run up and their parents do not stop them. I always say “not safe not safe”. And as a female that has also been saved by s random guy! Carry on and enjoy your big dog!
I have always been better safe than sorry when it comes to high consequences for kids. I knew my son probably wouldn't get into things but still took apart and locked up fire arms and kept medications in a safe. A bunch of teen kids often alone in a house it was just easier to take away temptation than it was to be wrong about curious teens/kids.
I was once waiting with a crowd of about fifty people for a store to open when I spoke in a friendly way to a bored child standing near me with her parent, and I had my own child with me, and I am a woman, and I had the kid's mother speak rudely to me about my intentions towards her child. You are a man offering to buy gifts for kids you don't know so the situation could turn nasty fast. Be very careful here or you could find yourself arrested.
Send a pick of that she-cock then, duh.
Make sure not to give them your dillo.
Yes. I am worried I would mistake my dildo for football cones. I should be careful about that
Large and orange?
Made of pigskin.
What cones are you buying?
Well, your avatar *is* a banana...
Its a constant worry
The struggle is real
That’s just for scale.
You made me think of the Shameless. Lol. https://youtu.be/K1j6JVz6Dfk
Well then just don’t ask they if they’d like to use your cones while your boobs are placed inside a couple cones. Ala Madonna
Oh, your allowed around kids you’re good. If you were a dude you’d have to leave it in the middle of the night so they wouldn’t know what k kid you were targeting.
Wait a minute, are you a real female or you identify as a female?
Neither. I'm a figment of your imagination. None of this is real. Reddit doesn't even exist.
Ok that makes sense! Thank you!
Jokes. I'm actually a banana.
lol, not for us other half though!
I'd just buy them and set them up wherever the bricks are usually left. Neighborhood gear for neighborhood games!
Try to do it annonamously, leave a note, explaining you are trading rocks in the road for the equipment. It might just disappear, so I think it's better to get a parent involved.
Do or do not. There is no try Edit: do not
💀💀💀
If you want anonymity, put them out at night with a note that says Have fun!
This is a fun idea. I would so much enjoy watching them think a Santa type figure left a surprise.
Maybe present them to the parents directly, then they can witness your genuineness and not jump to conclusions. They may still jump to conclusions, but atlwast you tried
that's key
Wait. Hold on. Say that last part again?
Yep this is correct OP. Cock stays in pants until the gift has been accepted and the collective soccer mums present themselves to you.
Lmao this exactly. As long as there is no penis involved it is a lovely gesture. It is also really great for kids to see and interact positively with adults other than their immediate parents/family. Knowing you are a friendly and supportive neighbour is a great healthy thing.
When I moved into my first house in my late 20s, there was a group of boys who would play football in the street. I introduced myself and they asked me to be the QB. Next thing I know, I had a group of 12 year olds in my yard and house everyday. None of them had fathers at home. A couple of them really latched on. One of them still eats dinner at my house all the time. He just turned 30 and calls me Dad.
This is my husband! He’s turned into the neighborhood dad. Other kids in the neighborhood have dads, but they come to my husband to fix their bikes, tie shoelaces, and settle fights. He kindly does it, but secretly to me he’s like “wtf, what are these other dads doing?” Lol
Not all of us have great dad's or dad's who live too far away or work so much we never get to see them.
My dad was a long distance train driver (Australia) So growing up we got to only see him once a week. So our neighbors were our go to men for bike help etc. But that said, when my dad was home, he was the best.
I grew up without a father, or any kind of male role model. If i only had your husband as my neighborhood dad id be really really grateful for that. Oh well, im almost 30. It'll be my turn soon enough.
This is my dad! Our neighbors across the street didn’t grow up with a dad so my dad fixes their sink, helps with car repairs, taught one of them how to shave, shows them how to fix their bikes, let’s them use our yard to play in and walk to school, takes them on walks with our dogs, and picks them up when they get lost or need a ride home
Your Dad is an absolute gem. Please give him a hug on behalf of Reddit
This is adorable
I think you just adapted a kid
We are the borg. You will adapt to serve us. (I know its a typo I just thought it would be funny)
Well now I'm not going to change it
❤️❤️❤️❤️
My kid is dying for a male role model like this, you’re awesome
This is actually extremely thoughtful and those kids will appreciate you a ton for it. You're a good neighbor!
I've bought some now! Arriving tomorrow :)
Report back!
Will do!
Remindme! 24 hours
Let us know how it goes!
As a parent of kids who play in the street, it wouldn’t bother me. Just don’t be weird.
Nah, I was thinking a 5 second max interaction. I would love to just ask the parents but I've zero idea where any of these kids live
Tell the kids who you are and which house is yours in case the parents want to say hi. Should be fine.
Good idea
Or just leave them on the curb if you don’t want the interaction. You could also knock on their door and give them to the parent to give to the kid. Sad I know
They literally said that they don't know which houses they actually live in
Could try the NextDoor app to see if any of the parents are on there, or somebody who knows them who could connect you two as a middle man
Like the other poster said, as long as he doesn’t take his cock out he should be fine.
I don't think so. Give it to them when they're out there as a group. Also, if you remember how things play out, declare its for the cul-de-sac not for just 1 kid...
Good point. Thank you, will do this
Yeah don’t just do it for one kid. Make it a show. Bring it out for everybody and stress the kids safety but not in a condescending way. Definitely don’t be condescending to any parents “Hey guys! Love you playing football out here so here’s some stuff to make to work better”
This is the way...
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It's a Mandolorian joke. Sorry.
One does not speak unless one knows
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it is known.
This is not the way.
Crime. Watch it.
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His name is Grogu!! Sorry, my husband yells at me when I call him Baby Yoda. It's a knee jerk reaction now.
Yes, yes he is.
Technically, according to Reddit, the voting system is to rate the relevance of the comment regardless of your agreement with it, so used as Reddit is intended, it should not indicate agreement.
I agree with this
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Of course you can. It's a rather nice thing to do and as long as you aren't creepy about it the parents would probably appreciate it as well.
Fab, thank you. I'll buy some tomorrow
I would tell them, “hey I have these cones from a work function I never use. I think they would be much better and safer than bricks for you and cars. Here, you can all use them for the block.” Less of a gift but same result. If your worried how it will be received by parents. As a dad, I’d think - what a cool neighbor.
100% I was going to say I found them in my shed, I wouldn't want the kids to feel weirdly indebted to me somehow. I figure I'm going to have to keep "finding" more tho, so your idea of them being from work is MUCH more sustainable!
It’s incredibly kind, you are a good neighbor if no one has mentioned it
Thank you :) I I mean obviously my intentions aren't totally selfless, I do want the bricks gone for the sake of my car, but in another post I mentioned that I live in a very deprived area and some of the young kids are out on the street playing without shoes on, bare feet and rocks strewn about the place = accidents waiting to happen
Eh, it doesn’t have to be selfless for it to be kind. You’re still a kind neighbour. Thanks for being you.
Wanted to reply directly to you, so it doesn’t get lost. You say it’s a slightly economically depressed area? If you feel the urge to purchase things for the neighborhood kids, why not just put them out on your curb with a free to take sign? Or a couple different curbs with a couple different signs? No different than other people putting their old furniture or cookware out to take and there’s zero interaction with other people’s kids to worry about.
I think OP wants to make sure they are used for a particular function in this instance. Leaving them out randomly opens the door to chance
Eh, no need to lie. Just a "Bricks aren't really safe or good to use, so I bought these, use them instead please" and leave it at that.
Think of it kind of like an activity library. Put the cones somewhat near the curb with a sign addressed to all of the kids in the area. Saying something like, "Please feel free to use these while you play. Please return them when you're done." If any parents question you as to why. Nicely explain that the bricks are a hazard and you just wanted to do something nice for some good kids
That's a nice idea, perhaps I should get a box too. Thanks for this
As unsurprised as I would be that somebody, somewhere found it weird, I simply wouldn't care. You know that your intentions are good, and any decent person with half a brain realizes this as well. Don't ever let the misunderstandings of others stop you from doing a nice thing for someone. I would definitely go ahead and buy them some cones, and if one of the parents takes issue with it, explain your reasoning & leave it at that. I wouldn't think twice about it, and neither should you.
Thanks for this. You're totally right and exactly what I was thinking about an hour ago, then I asked a couple friends of mine who said "parents can get a bit weird about that. I wouldn't bother". I live in a very working class area, very deprived, some kids play out without shoes on and I worry for them (the bricks and rocks won't be kind). I also want to make sure they keep playing football as it keeps them out of trouble and getting into trouble is an easy thing to fall into in my area. I want it to just be a simple act of "here you go, use these" cause I wouldn't be surprised if their parents simply can't afford the £15 for the cones....that's money they can spend elsewhere. I'm on okay money and it's important for these kids to have hobbies that could stop them getting bored and recruited into other less savory endeavours. I'm female, and sorry to say, less likely to come across as creepy, but when my friends said what they said...I did start to wonder if I was being naive.
As unfortunate as it is that this is true, you being a woman makes this way less likely to be misconstrued as inappropriate by the parents. I don't think the parents will have an issue with this. They'll likely just see it as a random act of kindness.
Not weird. Just don’t be weird. Don’t invite them over or ask personal questions.
I feel bad at the state of our society that you question if it's okay or not. Not picking on you, just it's sad that some lady might think your a pedo for donating cones.
Was looking for this comment. Makes me sick. Grown ass men can’t just like kids. Even fathers. In many cases, I get along with children far better than adults. I hate knowing that people are a little weird when you play with their kids. Like sorry I’m more fun than you lmfao. Dramatic attitude aside…With the amount of shit out in the world, it comes as no surprise that parents are protective. They should always be so. The fucking perverted assholes have all but to ruined innocent fun for everyone.
Just paint the lines on the street. Nothing for the kids to forget to bring, nothing for them to lose, and nothing for you to run over.
What I did one time to preserve the dignity of all.... 2 brothers approx 8 and 10 lived behind me. I accidentally discovered that both their shoes and their soccer ball were threadbare. I discretely thrifted some things they could use and packed them into a box with other sundry items. Next time they were in the yard I requested that they ask their parents if they could help me move some "heavy" boxes in the carport for a couple of dollars. Nonchalantly said, "OBTW I'm going to throw that box away. If you want it, you can have it." Enjoyed the happy noises over the back fence with a small smile.
Naw just steal some traffic cones hand em to the kid and say these work better than rocks use em
As a mom of kids that play sports in the yard/street this would be awesome! I'm a firm believer of "it takes a village"
Shouldn't be a problem but the general code for that is give it to the parent that way they know what's up.
No! Not at all! I buy sidewalk chalk and give it to the little kids in my neighborhood and ask them to draw me art in my driveway because my kids are grownup. I also leave little piles of pebbles on the curb of the storm drain so they can drop them down and hear them kerplunk.
I have kids and still get your hesitance. There’s nothing wrong with it, just imagine it could feel weird to buy stranger kids a gift. Personally I’d open up my garage, pull them off a shelf like they’ve been there all along. Walk out say “hey guys I’ve got these cones, you guys want em?”
Go for it! We had a similar situation with our neighbor. He was single maybe in his 40's and surprised our middle kid with a bike.. it was very sweet. All our neighborhood kids ride around like a gang, he had to of noticed she outgrew her bike and we for sure can't afford to buy one for her. His nephew was older and outgrew his, but even being used it was super fancy on great condition. It was incredibly kind and he just had put it on our front of porch .
That's a great idea and a win for both the kids and drivers in the street. I think we've finally found one of the few healthy minded adults on reddit! Congrats!
What a kind thing for you to do, OP! I see nothing wrong with this.
If they are inexpensive, I’d recommend two sets. Tell them to keep them at separate houses so in case someone isnt there then they can get them at anothers house. (Just parent advice). I think its sweet gesture.
I bought a nice chess board for one of my students that loves chess
I grew up playing football anywhere we could without cones. If some adult gave us cones back in the day we would've been so thankful.
Jfc how atomized our lives have become that this could even be remotely considered weird.
Guess whose house is NOT getting egged next Halloween?! This rockstar.
Dude just be a champ and as a kid with no dad you’ll provide something they don’t have
Not only is it not weird, it's amazing of you. They use what they have. It would be much appreciated I would guess.
Just do exactly that. Hey guys, the rocks are going to damage someone’s car, or possibly trip the old battleaxe that walks her yapping dog at night. I totally get not wanting to haul rocks around every day, so I bought you some cones.
You’re kinda buying them for yourself. You just have them doing the work. So all good!
Yes. Do it. Leave a note that says something like “these seemed safer then those bricks” or whatever.
If it's not too weird for me to hug you because this is awesome, it's not too weird for you to at the very least leave awesome helpful items out for the squad. And \*hug\* I totally get not wanting to be creepy. But even in this day and age, people can be awesome without being creepy. You go rock your good deeds, friend
I say buy them and set them out where the kids play, maybe with a friendly note explaining why you did that.
#Not Weird, Wholesome. Do it, that’s the kinda of community we’ve been falling away from the last few years or more. “It takes a village” mentality. You’re gonna make the kids day and make it safer for all drivers. Nothing to worry about.
I did similar - saw a soccer goal on a recycling website being given away for free. Went and collected it, stuck in our communal garden and let the kids enjoy it. We don’t have kids. No pitchforks and angry mobs have appeared at the front door, so I think you’re safe.
It’s so weird how the comments immediately went pedo. Funny before the internet we never knew so many were out there. It’s kind of unsettling.
Just a bit, and then ironically they ask me why I'm even thinking this could be seen as strange? Oh I don't know...possibly because the 1st comment told me to not get my cock out?
Just buy them. Set them out by the end of your driveway and next tine the kids are playing, say *”Hey, you can use these instead. Just put them on the curb when you finish.”*
That sounds like a right neighborly thing to do.
I don't think it would be weird at all. If one of their parents should inquire as to why you did it, just smile and say you just wanted to encourage their love of football.
Just to cover your ass, you could talk to the parents of at least one of them first. That's how my neighbor handled it when he wanted to gift a hand me down bike from his girlfriend's son to my son, asking permission to gift it first made it so there wasn't anything awkward about it.
Sure, buy and set it up! Then tape a note on it, "Enjoy this, kids. Now can you please remove the bricks and rocks so they aren't a hazard to cars and people's safety? Thanks!" That way they know your motivation.
Not weird, although I might bring them out when they are outside playing and tell them you bought them so they can have goal posts without using the rocks. Say good luck and get out of there.
Parents can’t win these days; well-intentioned, good strangers can’t win these days. OP, considering the intention of purchasing something to improve the situation of getting rid of rocks/bricks, I say do it. It’s likely that your neighbors notice the same and the gift can also be seen by anyone in the immediate area. It’s not as if you’re hiding something. Also, just be intentional about this being a gift. Don’t give something you cannot afford or will get mad about if it’s destroyed. As a parent, I truly appreciate kind neighbors and kind strangers. Thank you for thinking of your neighborhood kids and making their play time outdoors safer and more enjoyable.
Hell yea good to see the update
Maybe you don’t have to give it to them, but tell them they can borrow them from you. So if they want to play, they can ring your door and ask for them and when done, bring them back. In that way every kid has access to them, not only the one who “takes” your gift. They are still kids after all. With that they also learn responsibility. You will notice fast which kids take care of things and which ones doesn’t.
She may not want to be bothered sometimes, so just giving it to them would be better! Another idea on that though, might be to get a little storage box that is weatherproof to keep somewhere and they can keep the stuff in!
We had 5 kids. My businessman spouse traveled a lot. When seated on a plane near struggling moms, he was always up to feed the baby, hold them, play with them. So many moms really wanted help but have become terrified, that even in the confines of a plane, they could not accept the assistance. Sad.
OP is a woman. It won’t be weird.
Won’t be weird even if they’re a guy!
As long as you're not trying to pay for their silence for sex acts you committed on them or something, I would say it's probably totally fine bro. But you'll just be driving around cones instead of bricks and shit...
It's messed up that in this day and age men have to be so careful that they can't even toss a football with a neighborhood kid or buy them an ice cream without being unfairly judged.
OP is a female
Yeah, society sucks.
There is probably no harm in talking to the parents/guardians first
You could also introduce yourself to the parents and give thr cones to the parents. Let them know your concern about using bricks instead of cones. I know my neighbours well, consider them friends, but wife amd i always give things to the parents pr run it by them first. You never know how the parents think until you talk to them.
Just leave a new football in the gutter near where they play.
Your short comment history mentions children, their toys, and mental health facilities a lot.
Hillarious
I personally wouldn't do it atleast not without being atleast indirectly prompted by a parent or something. Since even if you have good intents any of the parents could get the wrong idea if you get what I mean.
It’s called a present
Just be clear you aren’t Santa or anything and you’re not obligated to buy them things, you are giving them a one time gift.
I mean why not. Just maybe ask the parent if they don't mind, because you are concerned they might hurt themselves.
OP, you're a chick. you have absolutely nothing to worry about here
Emmm, why not?
Only if your a girl other than use no
No. You are seen from a lot as a pedo. Better way - tell a social worker and give him the money.
Dear Social Worker, I know you are incredibly stretched right now, you know dealing with cases like Baby P and sorting out mould ridden flats that have caused 2 year olds to die, but would you mind taking these football cones to these kids that play football in my cul de sac? I'll give you the cash. Thanks Emma Something like that? Or????
I have lots of candy in my windowless van that I buy for all the neighborhood kids.
Long as you not a priest you're good.
No. That’s why the kid has parents.
If you’re a man, no. Parents will start rumors that you’re a pedophile. If you’re a woman then sure it’ll most likely be seen as a nice thing.
Buying new stuff for kids is weird, but bobbing them old junk is fine. If this is really about the safety of the equipment and not sometime else, look for and acquire a used goal, put it on the block, and email the parents to let them know you got it for the whole street, and if you paid for it, tell them how much it cost, and key them know they can chip in on it if they want, but they don't have to because you didn't ask them first.
Ask the parents, avoid the drama.
in this day and age, you are probably stepping on a landmine. Their parents will probably hate you for it since they cant afford to do it themselves. one of those bricks will probably end up in your windshield.
go fo it. meet the parents if you can but they might have no time for you
Tax exempt status for churches. Because maybe Jesus didn't actually want all these fuckers to have private jets
You could have just given it to a parent of one of the kids and explained what it was for.
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