WIBTA for building a fence to keep kids out of my yard?

In a quiet suburban neighborhood, a 27-year-old woman settles into her new home, craving the peace of her own space after a bustling city life. Her yard, complete with a swing set left by the previous owner, seems perfect—until three neighborhood kids start showing up uninvited, sledding in winter and now swinging in spring. No parent has introduced themselves, and the unsupervised play leaves her uneasy, feeling responsible for strangers’ children on her property.

Torn between her boyfriend’s suggestion to talk to the neighbors and her instinct to build a fence for privacy, she hesitates, aware a fence might dim the kids’ joy. With a park just a block away, she wonders if her boundary is too harsh. This Reddit tale dives into the tension between a homeowner’s rights and the carefree play of neighborhood kids, sparking a debate about community and personal space.

‘WIBTA for building a fence to keep kids out of my yard?’

This yard-play dispute captures a homeowner’s quest for control her space amid unspoken neighborhood norms. The 27-year-old’s concern about kids using her swing set without permission is valid—unsupervised play on private property risks liability if injuries occur. Her inclination to build a fence reflects a desire for privacy, especially as a new resident navigating post-COVID isolation. However, bypassing a neighborly chat could strain future relations, as her boyfriend suggests.

Property liability is a real issue. A 2021 report from the American Bar Association notes that homeowners can face lawsuits for injuries on “attractive nuisances” like swing sets, even if children trespass. The nearby park reduces the need for kids to use her yard, supporting her right to restrict access. Yet, the kids may assume prior owners allowed it, highlighting a communication gap.

Dr. Deborah Gilman, a family psychologist, advises, “Clear boundaries protect both personal space and community ties, but starting with dialogue can prevent misunderstandings”. The homeowner’s fence plan isn’t unreasonable, but a conversation with the kids’ parents—introducing herself and explaining her concerns—could resolve the issue without barriers. If talks fail, a fence with proper permits is a fair fallback.

To move forward, she could approach neighbors calmly, stating her liability worries and pointing out the park’s proximity. Removing or securing the swing set could also deter play. If privacy remains a priority, a fence aligns with her rights, but openness first might foster goodwill. Balancing her needs with neighborly courtesy can maintain peace in her new community.

Here’s the input from the Reddit crowd:

Reddit’s verdict leans strongly toward the homeowner, affirming her right to control her property. Most users see the kids’ unsupervised play as a liability risk, noting that a fence is a reasonable solution, especially with a nearby park. They stress that parents should have sought permission, and the homeowner isn’t obligated to provide a playground, particularly for strangers’ children.

Some suggest talking to neighbors first, suspecting the kids had prior permission from the old owners and may not know the rules changed. A few view the fence as a costly avoidance of a simple chat, but all agree she’s not wrong to prioritize her privacy and safety. The consensus supports her boundary, urging action to avoid legal or neighborly trouble down the line.

This Reddit story unearths the challenge of claiming personal space in a neighborly world. The homeowner’s fence plan guards her privacy and shields her from liability, but skipping a talk risks souring new ties. With a park nearby, her yard isn’t the kids’ only joy spot, making her boundary fair. Have you ever had to set limits with neighbors over shared spaces? Share your story below—how would you handle these uninvited playmates?