The Gate Is Working Great But Guess What Now?!?

[crazydaycarelady]

I included the picture again. As you can see the parents need to walk down the driveway to the bottom where the sidewalk is. I also have a little rock path that cuts through the flower garden you see there.

But you know what they are doing instead?? Cutting through the grass.

Normally I suppose this wouldn't matter except I have 12 kids here per day and already in 2 weeks the grass is getting worn into a path.

I am just so fed up with not being able to maintain my property and things!


On a side note this last week: Dcg did "something" to my screen door and the glass shattered out of it. I need a new door now. Then a dcb pushed a button on the microwave and it started (with nothing in it.) Well, I couldn't hear it going with the noise of the kids and didn't realized it was on until I heard zapping noises. It is totally fried. I need a new microwave now too.

[permanentvacation]

Wow! I can't believe how rude and inconsiderate your parents are of your yard and landscaping. I think I would have to sit outside every day with the daycare children and wait for the parents at pick up time. Then, as they start to walk on your grass or do anything else inconsiderate of your property, I would immediately tell them not to do it and teach them how to properly walk up the sidewalk to your door. Good grief, yeah, it sounds like you need to train the parents as much as you have to train the children!

[CraftyMom]

They probably see everyone else doing it and follow along.

So, they walk up the driveway toward the house, then how do they get past the gate? Do they walk around the right side and then continue in the grass to the house? That's how I'm picturing it. Probably just the quickest route.

Looks like you'll be sending out a "friendly reminder" not to walk in the grass

Are you having dcg's parents pay for damages to the door?

Did dcb admit to turning on the microwave? That's scary!

Sorry for all the questions!

[hope]

People can be so lazy! I would post a sign right where they start their path from the gate to grass that says "please do not walk on the graa. Use walkway". I would also be sending home a letter to all parents explaining that your property is being destroyed and to follow the proper procedures.

[DaveA]

That's annoying.

One alternative would be to set staggered pavers or flagstones flush with the ground. Gives them a place to walk and still be able to have grass and mow.

Like to think they could figure out not to walk on the grass, but who knows.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

You know what is sad? I have yet to have more than TWO parents who insist their children don't walk in people's yards. Others think it is cute. I am the one who teaches all children that they CANNOT walk on other people's grass when we are on our daily walks. Perhaps you can start there AND place a sign every couple of feet in your yard so they GET A CLUE. Gaaaah. Our society today kills me.
The exact phrasing I use is, "Stay on the sidewalk. That grass is NOT ours. You can walk on the grass at YOUR house."

[CraftyMom]

That's annoying.

One alternative would be to set staggered pavers or flagstones flush with the ground. Gives them a place to walk and still be able to have grass and mow.

Like to think they could figure out not to walk on the grass, but who knows.

That's an idea. It stinks that you have to worry about them wearing a path in your grass and have to alter the look of your home with a gate and a walkway. It does seem like the simplest solution since we know even with repeated reminding some parents think the rules apply to everyone else, not them

[Shell]

I know I made a joke last time about a gate that zaps, but this may be your only solution :: Seriously, you have some rude families! Definitely post a sign and give verbal reminders about where to walk. Can't believe some people.

[JenNJ]

I would send a letter saying that the next person who cuts across the lawn will be denied care for the day. Period.

[crazydaycarelady]

They actually walk around the gate on the left side and then all the way down the driveway until right before the garden, then cut across the grass. I don't really want to lay more pavers since I do have a sidewalk and I have made a shortcut path through the garden.

I haven't said anything about the door or the microwave. I feel like the door was an accident and the microwave - the boy is just 2yo. He just reached up there and got lucky with a button that turned it on.

[jenboo]

Two options:
1. Get some motion/sensor alarms that go off when someone steps on the grass.... Like in princess diaries.
Or
2. Sit outside in the mornings and as soon as they step on the grass spray them with the hose. Works for dogs and cats... Maybe your parents would get the idea.

[melilley]

You know what is sad? I have yet to have more than TWO parents who insist their children don't walk in people's yards. Others think it is cute. I am the one who teaches all children that they CANNOT walk on other people's grass when we are on our daily walks. Perhaps you can start there AND place a sign every couple of feet in your yard so they GET A CLUE. Gaaaah. Our society today kills me.
The exact phrasing I use is, "Stay on the sidewalk. That grass is NOT ours. You can walk on the grass at YOUR house."

I was always taught to not walk on other people's lawns. To this day, I feel guilty walking across my neighbor's lawn (we are friends) and he even said that it's ok!

[melilley]

I cannot believe that they are walking on your grass, how inconsiderate! Maybe you should implement a "walking on the grass fee" to the offenders.?

I was just telling dh the other day that having the dc in our house is ruining it. I know it comes with the territory, but we have a hole in our kitchen wall, a dcd somehow broke the latch to our glass front door so now you can't open it to where you want it to stay because it won't latch now, one day has broken many toys, the list goes on.

Oh how someday I dream of having a dc outside of my home!

[Leigh]

2. Sit outside in the mornings and as soon as they step on the grass spray them with the hose. Works for dogs and cats... Maybe your parents would get the idea.

::

[CraftyMom]

How about some stakes with ropes running between them across the whole grass area, with signs every 5 feet saying "Stay off the grass! Yes, this means you!"

Along with a notice sent home to stay off the grass.

After a while you will be able to take down the stakes and ropes (hopefully)