Running Child Upstairs
Hello. I have been living in my condo for 5 weeks. Immediately upon moving in, I realized that the child in the apartment above mine runs the length of the apartment–whose layout is the same as mine– anywhere from a few minutes to as many as 45 minutes at a time. About two weeks ago…
Hello. I have been living in my condo for 5 weeks. Immediately upon moving in, I realized that the child in the apartment above mine runs the length of the apartment–whose layout is the same as mine– anywhere from a few minutes to as many as 45 minutes at a time. About two weeks ago after having to listen to that for 45 minutes, I went upstairs, introduced myself and politely stated that running for 45 minutes non-stop was jarring and that I couldn’t even hear my TV. The father asked me what he wanted me to do. I told him that the solution was up to him and his wife. I remained polite but clear about the noise being unnerving. He insists on my giving him a solution. I noted that in cases like this carpeting seemed like the solution. He said, “I won’t install carpeting. Anyway, I don’t think it will matter.†I told him not be so negative after pushing for a solution. He wanted us to agree on a schedule. I said, “It’s obvious I’m not home all week from 8 am to 8 pm. However when I come home, I’d like to be able to relax and hear my TV or just read.†He said, “That seems reasonable.†For the most part, there hasn’t been running after 8 pm during the week. The thing is, the weekends are unbearable with that child. I came home on Sunday night around 5 pm and by 6 pm I had to put in earplugs. Ditto for tonight. What would be my next step? He has said NO to carpeting. Am I being unreasonable? Should I stay quite about that noise? Should I just go to the condo association? Try with him again? I’d like to get along with my neighbors but it has to be a two-way street. The only thing, I am obviously the one in the weaker position. Thank you!
It’s not acceptable. Procreation doesn’t give someone the right to make your space uninhabitable. I was up at 6 am for two years because of two hyperactive kids above me. Occasionally indoor soccer games. And the neighbor’s baby would wake them up by throwing toys it’s toys out of the crib onto their hardwood floor several time a night. Unfortunately their hardwood floor was my ceiling.
One, being polite certainly a good start. Two, ask them nicely to keep it down when it’s occurring – especially early in the morning. Three, ask them to pop down while the kids are running so they can hear how bad it is. Four, any condo rules on carpeting? 80% requirement usually in the regs somewhere.
Good luck!
even my DOG knows not to run around indoors! granted we live on the ground floor so it wouldnt be a problem, but if a big dumb goofy very excitable pitbull can be taught not to run around inside like an animal, im sure the obviously gifted and talented child can be taught the same.
*rob*
I’m surprised there are so many on here who think it’s normal or acceptable for children to be running around indoors. When I was growing up, we were never allowed to run around indoors. That’s what outdoors is for. For the poster who mentioned that playground equipment may be too dangerous for a small child, nothing is more dangerous than a home.
It is completely inappropriate for this family to allow their child to run roughshod indoors and disturb your peace. Of course, such noise once in a while should be tolerated, but if these parents are too lazy to take their kids to the park to get out their energy that should not become your burden. I would speak to them again and tell them that the constant noise on the weekend is a nuisance and you would like it to stop. Since they are not willing to put down carpeting, they are just going to have to train their child not to run around all day. If it doesn’t stop, I would then complain to the board. I would definitely raise the issue with the owners again before going to the board. You might be able to resolve this amicably. You simply need to state your position more assertively.
get some advice from this guy?
http://www.nj.com/parenting/maria_andreu/index.ssf/2009/09/man_slaps_child_at_walmart.html
(that’s the Walmart slapper)
and im kidding btw with that, i dont condone that. but the kids parents should really teach the kid that their apartment is not the set of Romper room. if they want space for the kid to run around like a bunch of ritalin-fueled hyenas, move to the suburbs where you wont bother other people!
*rob*
From the time my son was 4 until he could reason for himself, I’d remind him to be not loud, and no shoes in the parlor floor, especially at night or early morning, because we have tenants downstairs. It’s absolutely possible to tone down a kid’s wanting to run and jump excessively. It’s called setting limits, and enforcing them.
Those parents give us all a bad name.
When the father was younger he was the type who felt he could blast his music and nobody should complain. Self-centered and obnoxious. Doesn’t apologize and could care less how affects others. And will teach his kid to be same way.
The guy should get carpeting until his kid is old enough to understand the need to be quiet at least some of the time.
Oh, and little kids running around making noise isn’t weird, abnormal, unusual, strange, or a sign of parental incompetence. It’s normal behavior for healthy kids.
And the park is nice, but until they are old enough to not hurt themselves on the playground equipment or run off into traffic, it is very exhausting to take them to the park for very long, so sometimes you just have to let them run around at home.
And if your kids can’t run around at home, then you don’t really have a home. You live in a glorified hotel or something.
Go to the managing agent and/or condo board immediatley and let them deal with him. This is why there are house rules. You do not want this to become personal. So, he doesn’t like carpeting — too bad. He has a child and he needs to get over his aesthetics and carpet the place. And take the kid out to run around — so that home is for quieter activities.
Parent sounds like a selfish jerk. And yes, I raised a child in a coop with neighbors downstairs who never had a reason to complain.
No – It’s been quiet with the pad and it keeps it localized in the kids room. And the kid get his energy out. Really!
Everyone was happy with it, but then again my friend was also OK with putting carpet down in addition. Unlike the OP’s neighbor.