Heather, thanks for sharing your experience. At least I don’t feel “alone” now in experiencing negative vibes (and more) from overprotective neighbors. Good for your pediatrician for recognizing the benefits of bumps and bruises

Andrea, thanks for letting me know. And, by the way, I had a feeling I put “Robin’s” name down instead of yours . . . mixing my two “administrator” names (Robin from LWOS). Sorry about that! LOL! Alright. Off to try to see if I can get flickr to work . . .
-Cindy

After you drag the flickr widget to your sidebar, click on the little line graphic on the bar where it says “flickr”. You can put *your* flickr feed address there.

If you get stuck, holler.

In a townhouse we are WAAAAYYY too close in quarters to neighbors and so I have to only allow my kids in our postage stamp backyard due to comments and things that have been made since we moved here. Of course the three of them go out to get the mail every day on their own (and generally barefoot). That’s down the street a bit (community mailboxes) and my next door neighbor thinks I’m brave to allow even the toddler to go (I couldn’t not let him - he insists on carrying the keys!).

I’ve also had some very negative comments from neighbors about how my kids climb trees and often have bruises and scratches on their arms and legs (and forehead in the case of the toddler). Of course these are people with kids who I see walking to the bus stop at the corner, walking home, and then never again except maybe a few times in the summer at the pool. I’m not quite sure what they do when they get home from school. Sit on the couch and watch TV or play video games I suppose. I’ll take my very active and often bruised kids.

Our pediatrician did make a comment the last time we were there that he was glad to see their bruises and scratches. He said if they’re on arms, legs, and foreheads it means their getting plenty of exercise and time outside and that’s a very good thing. Too bad my neighbors don’t see it that way.