Kid Gets Injured On Neighbor’s Property, He Refuses To Cover Medical Bills: “I Told Him To Stay Out”

A neighborhood is unimaginable without children. The playing, the laughter, and their shrieks of joy really bring it to life. However, not every parent teaches their kids to be respectful towards neighbors and their boundaries, which can lead to them causing quite the trouble.

Just like what happened to this guy, whose Koi pond was damaged by a trespassing kid who fell into it. Instead of apologizing or trying to contribute to the $5,000 damages, his mom demanded that the neighbor cover his medical bills for a few scratches, which pushed him to take more extreme measures. 

Scroll down to find the full story and a conversation with Bryan de Justin, couples, children, and family coach, and the host of the Love & Balance with Bryan de Justin podcast, who kindly agreed to share a few tips on how to raise kids as good neighbors.

Kids in the neighborhood can make it more lively and fun

Koi fish swimming in a private pond surrounded by lush green plants.

Image credits: Anna Sulliva (not the actual photo)

However, this one stirred up trouble after trespassing his neighbor’s property

Text about a guy suing his neighbor; his koi pond is protected with "No Trespassing" signs.

Text about a neighbor's kid frequently wandering into private yards, with a parent's dismissive response of "Kids will be kids.

Text describing a neighbor's complaint about a child climbing a fence to access a private pond.

Text describing neighbor's kid falling into a private pond, causing damage and stress to koi fish.

Text describing neighbor dispute over responsibility after child falls into private pond.

Woman in a striped shirt looking concerned outdoors, related to neighbor's private pond incident lawsuit.

Image credits: Daniele La Rosa Messina (not the actual photo)

Text image about a lawsuit after a neighbor's child falls into a private pond, causing damage and neighborhood conflict.

Text narrative about a guy suing a neighbor after a kid falls into his private pond.

Image source: DMLives

“Children should be instructed by their parents to respect their neighbours’ boundaries”

Private property sign on fence, emphasizing no trespassing around neighbor’s pond.

Image credits: Kiko Camaclang (not the actual photo)

“Children should be instructed by their parents to respect their neighbours’ boundaries so that these behaviours solidify early on,” says couples, children, and family coach Bryan de Justin.

“At the age of 4-6, children begin to experience the world beyond the home. They are discovering that the world outside of their home is not the same as the one within. This age, thus, is marked by an increase in experimentation. Children, at this age, invade boundaries because, in order to discover they are there, one needs to offend them in the first place,” Justin explains.

Therefore, parents need to teach their children how to respect the property of others if they want them to be good neighbors in the future. “Before they worry about how they will instruct their children, however, parents should first work on instructing themselves,” the coach notes. Indeed, leading by example is often the best way to instill certain behaviors in children.

In addition to that, caregivers can teach their kids about literal and figurative boundaries. Explaining where the property ends and why they should be considerate of others’ needs helps them be respectful and understand their limits better. 

Parents should take the time and teach their children to respect their neighbors

Man watches child drawing with markers, reflecting on kids' behavior near a private pond.

Image credits: Getty Images (not the actual photo)

But if it so happens that a neighbor isn’t particularly happy with a child’s behavior, Justin suggests that the kid should take on the responsibility as an adult would. “Every slip-up should be utilized as an opportunity to grow,” he said.

“The child should be present when such complaints are made and should be expected to explain themselves. If punishment is deemed appropriate, they should be made notified by the parent in front of the complaining neighbour. If reparations are able to be made, the child should do it.”

If any damages are involved that require monetary compensation, Justin says that the kid should be encouraged to complete chores or work until they pay off the debt. “This way, they learn to respect property and work,” he says.

“No matter what, however, the child should always be heard and should not be presumed guilty by default,” Justin notes.

Lastly, the coach concludes by saying, “Parents should teach their children the fundamentals of emotional intelligence, the importance of honesty, and how to be an open communicator. Again, the challenge arises not in teaching these skills to children, but rather, in teaching them to ourselves. Children reveal more about us than we realize. Thus, we should first ask ourselves, ‘What is my child trying to teach me?’ before saying, ‘What should I teach my child?”

The readers were on the original poster’s side

Comment on lawsuit about kid falling into pond, emphasizing supervision.

Reddit comment discussing a lawsuit over a kid falling into a private pond, supporting the property owner's actions.

Reddit comment discussing a legal suit after a neighbor's child falls into a private pond.

Text from a user supporting a lawsuit over a child trespassing and falling into a private pond.

Text of a comment discussing the legal and financial implications of a child's actions by a pond.

Text from an online discussion about a lawsuit regarding a kid falling into a neighbor's private pond.

Reddit comment discussing a legal issue about a neighbor's child falling into a private pond, emphasizing property rights.

Comment discussing trespassing laws and homeowner's insurance in relation to a pond incident involving a child.

Comment discussing kids and private property rights.

Reddit comment supporting legal action over a private pond incident.

Reddit comment discussing a lawsuit involving a neighbor and a private pond incident with a child.

Comment about kids' behavior and accountability, focusing on "kids will be kids."

Reddit comment discussing responsibility when kids wander into neighbors' private property, mentioning parenting.

Reddit comment about teaching a kitten not to climb counters by providing a chair, humorously likening him to a prince.

Poll Question

Total votes ·

Thanks! Check out the results:

Total votes ·

Newsletter

Subscribe to Access
Exclusive Polls

Subscribe

By entering your email and clicking Subscribe, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Privacy Policy.

Thank you! You've successfully subscribed to newsletters!

Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!

Follow Bored Panda on Google News!

Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda!