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Grandma Can’t Believe Neighbor Won’t Let Her Grandkid Intrude Into Private Easter Egg Hunt
Every parent wants their kid to feel included and part of their peer group. This can be difficult if the child socializes differently compared to other kids. Children with autism may struggle in group settings, which means their playtime might look different from the norm.
That’s why one mom set up a special solo Easter egg hunt for her autistic son. Unfortunately, her neighbor’s grandkid interrupted the activity without permission, which then led to an uncomfortable confrontation.
More info: Reddit
RELATED:
Children with autism also deserve to enjoy themselves and be a part of fun, playful activities
Image credits: freepik / Freepik (not the actual photo)
The poster mentioned that her 3-year-old son has level two autism and that he finds it hard to participate in group settings, so he usually sits on the side and watches
Image credits: seventyfour / Freepik (not the actual photo)
The mom set up a solo Easter egg hunt for her son because his eggs had been snatched by other kids the previous year, and she didn’t want that happening again
Image credits: EyeEm / Freepik (not the actual photo)
After her yard was fully decked out and her son was enjoying the event, her neighbor’s 2-year-old granddaughter entered the garden to play too
Image credits: nellysenko / Freepik (not the actual photo)
The woman didn’t want her neighbor’s grandkid to ruin the egg hunt for her son, which is why she confronted her neighbor, who, instead, behaved rudely toward her
Image credits: Quincy1426
After a lot of back and forth, the neighbor grumpily took her granddaughter and left, but the poster wondered if she was wrong to put her foot down
The OP explained that her 3-year-old is autistic and that he struggles to figure out what people are saying or to take part in group events. She had noticed that when there was an Easter egg search the previous year, her child retreated into his shell and didn’t do anything when other children snatched his eggs from him.
According to experts, children with autism might experience barriers to interactive play. They may struggle to socialize or communicate with other kids, which makes it tougher to get invited into groups or play with others. Along with that, if they are resistant to a change in routine and patterns they may find playtime with others too unpredictable.
After the mom set up the solo event for her son, she was extremely excited, and so was he. He had many eggs to find and couldn’t wait to do so. The mom’s thoughtfulness made it possible for him to enjoy something that he’d otherwise not be able to fully participate in.
When it comes to playtime, children often benefit from structured activities. The OP’s idea of finding something her son enjoyed but didn’t get a chance to do is a great way to help him have fun, learn new skills, and keep him engaged. Research even shows that play is the best way to help children find their identity and develop their sense of self, which is why the kid really needs it.
Image credits: wosunan / Freepik (not the actual photo)
Even though the OP had set up such a wonderful egg hunt for her son, her neighbor decided to invade their space. She brought her granddaughter onto their private property and let the child run around. Even when she was confronted, she didn’t see anything wrong with her actions and insisted that it was okay to do. She even insulted the poster’s son.
Unfortunately, many people misunderstand autism and let their preconceived notions of it get in the way of their interactions. Parents of autistic children might find it annoying or difficult to deal with such folks, but sometimes, raising awareness can go a long way. People who are genuinely looking to understand may eventually change their misconceptions.
Even if the OP tried this tactic with her neighbor, it probably would have fallen on deaf ears. The other woman was rude and pushy and didn’t seem to understand that she wasn’t entitled to the poster’s yard or to their egg hunt. Eventually, she relented and left with her granddaughter after realizing the OP wasn’t going to give in.
The poster handled the situation with a lot of grace and patience even though she could have flown off the handle. She understood that the little kid wasn’t at fault and that it was her grandmom who was imposing. Hopefully the neighbor has learned never to pull such a stunt again.
What would you have done in a situation like this?
Folks sided with the mom and were shocked at the entitlement of the older woman
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What do you think ?
Tabitha 7 months ago (edited)
Unless your neighbor has sent out invitations to their Easter Egg Hunt, or put up a sign inviting everyone, then you and your kids/grandkids should stay TF OUT of their yard! You do NOT just go traipsing over there and let your kids/grandkids trample all over their yard, ffs. Didn’t YOUR parents teach YOU any manners? I am 64, and the youngest child of two Greatest Generation parents. Man, talk about being taught good manners! Believe me, if I had misbehaved and been as rude, entitled, and sarcastically nasty as this grandmother, my mother and father would have spanked my a*s bright red and dragged me right back next door to apologize profusely and publicly to OP and her son. To my parents and their generation, your children’s’ behavior was a reflection on you, and if they misbehaved, it made YOU look bad. Parents of ill-mannered and misbehaving kids were looked at as bad parents, became social pariahs, and other kids in the neighborhood were told not to play with them. So, by teaching real manners to their kids, as well as making sure apologies were made for any transgressions, they could keep their good reputation in the neighborhood. Yes, the US used to be a more collectivist society, before the sixties and seventies spawned the “ME Generation”, individualism became king, and the old collectivist attitudes, and the feeling of connectedness with everyone else that went with them, were derided and dropped. We should never have allowed that to happen, but we had too large a majority of people who embraced it and became very vocal about their rights being more important than everyone else’s. The problem with individualism is that we live in a society with other people, and if we have no sense of connectedness, we could be doomed. We’re kind of at that point now.
Lee Gilliland 7 months ago
The grandmother threw something AT AN AUTISTIC KID and hit him! I would have gone for a*****t. What a nasty woman!
Rika 7 months ago
OP should have warned about calling the cops from the moment the neighbor entered her property for her own safety and her son's. What if the two kids got into a "fight" ? A kid that young doesn't really understand what's dangerous, he might just push the little girl and cause her to fall and get injured. Judging by the neighbor's behavior, a simple scratch would've been enough for her to throw a tantrum and press charges. No point in trying to argue with that kind of people.
Tiny Dancer 7 months ago
Autistic mother here. My "kid" is nearly 40, so I've dealt with some folks in my time. My first bit of advice to the OP is to build a fence, big and strong! Otherwise, you did nothing wrong, Mama Bear. With my guy, if one small thing goes "wrong" on a day out (big list, could be anything from his bowling shoes not fitting right to strangers having an argument in our general vicinity) then the whole day is ruined, and he may never want to even attempt that activity again. It's a delicate dance sometimes. Don't let pushy grannies cut in.
Tanya Venter 7 months ago
Your yard your rules. I have also set nice things up for my daughter and niece and other kids wanted to join. I just said no, this is for my kids only and asked them to leave. We should not have to explain ourselves to anyone.
Tiffany 7 months ago
It doesn't matter what others think of you. Who cares, really. It's your yard, your money and your thing for your kid. I honestly would of done this also for my kid. This is an area where I'd say No, even if feelings are hurt and others don't understand. It's OK to say no. Its OK not to be perfect every time.
Nadia Egypt 6 months ago
I was wondering the same thing, fences or walls have been standard in every country I've lived in and apart from when balls get kicked over them seem to solve a lot of problems.
Load More Replies...
Craig Reynolds 7 months ago
Entitled parents and grandparents are the worst type of entitled people.
Ginger ninja 7 months ago (edited)
“My granddaughter wouldnt take from him” well she’s taking from him right now lady, not her fault cuz she’s 2 but still. I would have gone batshit the moment she threw the plastic egg at my kid
Tabitha 7 months ago (edited)
Unless your neighbor has sent out invitations to their Easter Egg Hunt, or put up a sign inviting everyone, then you and your kids/grandkids should stay TF OUT of their yard! You do NOT just go traipsing over there and let your kids/grandkids trample all over their yard, ffs. Didn’t YOUR parents teach YOU any manners? I am 64, and the youngest child of two Greatest Generation parents. Man, talk about being taught good manners! Believe me, if I had misbehaved and been as rude, entitled, and sarcastically nasty as this grandmother, my mother and father would have spanked my a*s bright red and dragged me right back next door to apologize profusely and publicly to OP and her son. To my parents and their generation, your children’s’ behavior was a reflection on you, and if they misbehaved, it made YOU look bad. Parents of ill-mannered and misbehaving kids were looked at as bad parents, became social pariahs, and other kids in the neighborhood were told not to play with them. So, by teaching real manners to their kids, as well as making sure apologies were made for any transgressions, they could keep their good reputation in the neighborhood. Yes, the US used to be a more collectivist society, before the sixties and seventies spawned the “ME Generation”, individualism became king, and the old collectivist attitudes, and the feeling of connectedness with everyone else that went with them, were derided and dropped. We should never have allowed that to happen, but we had too large a majority of people who embraced it and became very vocal about their rights being more important than everyone else’s. The problem with individualism is that we live in a society with other people, and if we have no sense of connectedness, we could be doomed. We’re kind of at that point now.
Lee Gilliland 7 months ago
The grandmother threw something AT AN AUTISTIC KID and hit him! I would have gone for a*****t. What a nasty woman!
Rika 7 months ago
OP should have warned about calling the cops from the moment the neighbor entered her property for her own safety and her son's. What if the two kids got into a "fight" ? A kid that young doesn't really understand what's dangerous, he might just push the little girl and cause her to fall and get injured. Judging by the neighbor's behavior, a simple scratch would've been enough for her to throw a tantrum and press charges. No point in trying to argue with that kind of people.
Tiny Dancer 7 months ago
Autistic mother here. My "kid" is nearly 40, so I've dealt with some folks in my time. My first bit of advice to the OP is to build a fence, big and strong! Otherwise, you did nothing wrong, Mama Bear. With my guy, if one small thing goes "wrong" on a day out (big list, could be anything from his bowling shoes not fitting right to strangers having an argument in our general vicinity) then the whole day is ruined, and he may never want to even attempt that activity again. It's a delicate dance sometimes. Don't let pushy grannies cut in.
Tanya Venter 7 months ago
Your yard your rules. I have also set nice things up for my daughter and niece and other kids wanted to join. I just said no, this is for my kids only and asked them to leave. We should not have to explain ourselves to anyone.
Tiffany 7 months ago
It doesn't matter what others think of you. Who cares, really. It's your yard, your money and your thing for your kid. I honestly would of done this also for my kid. This is an area where I'd say No, even if feelings are hurt and others don't understand. It's OK to say no. Its OK not to be perfect every time.
Nadia Egypt 6 months ago
I was wondering the same thing, fences or walls have been standard in every country I've lived in and apart from when balls get kicked over them seem to solve a lot of problems.
Load More Replies... Craig Reynolds 7 months ago
Entitled parents and grandparents are the worst type of entitled people.
Ginger ninja 7 months ago (edited)
“My granddaughter wouldnt take from him” well she’s taking from him right now lady, not her fault cuz she’s 2 but still. I would have gone batshit the moment she threw the plastic egg at my kid
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