The struggle is real.
Ok, I probably should have explained before keeping you all hanging from my IG stories I posted.
We moved into the rental last Saturday and have already received 2 noise complaints. Our first one was last Sunday evening around 8pm. That Sunday was our 1st full day at the rental. The 2nd complaint was yesterday around 8pm.
The first time, we thought we had it taken care of by telling our oldest not to talk so loud when he’s talking to his friends on his headset. Ever since we received the first complaint, I am constantly telling the kids to be quiet. “shhhh”… “you need to whisper”… “you’re laughing too loud”.. “don’t run”..
I understand we need to adjust from country living to living in a townhome with neighbors on each side of the walls, but I feel like we are supposed to be completely mute. I feel like we are walking on egg shells. I feel like my kids can’t run up the stairs if they forgot something. I feel like my kids can’t be kids. I feel like they can’t be in their room and play in there because they may be playing or talking too loud. Mariah and Bashy (my nephew) were upstairs playing in the bedroom and they started giggling about something. It was the cutest thing. I hate to admit this but I told them they are being too loud giggling. Like WTF… how messed up is that?! When a kid is crying, the first thing that comes out of my mouth is “you need to be quiet” instead of first resolving the reason why he or she is crying. When a kid is excited to tell me about something, I’m concerned they’re talking too loud instead of focusing on what they’re excited about. I feel bad for using the garage door too much because it may be too loud for the neighbors. This is only week one you guys.
We are a family of 6. It’s not just Blaine and myself living in this townhome. We aren’t throwing parties. We are just being a family inside these walls. Half the time they are at school or at the basketball court or playground.
I have no idea what to do. We are already being cautious, and we are still getting noise complaints. I think that’s why I’m so frustrated. We are trying to adjust, I think the neighbors should also adjust to having neighbors. My kids are such good kids but this is making me feel like we are sucking as a family. Writing all of what we’ve been doing, makes me wonder about this decision. We were so excited to live in town. The kids are so excited to walk to school, but this is sucking the life out of all of us.
Everyone send us positive vibes. Obviously, this is only week one, and we need a lot of positive vibes.
The only great thing about this is that Blaine and I can’t yell at each other especially with trying to build a house again…lol!
If you have suggestions for us, let me know! Thanks for listening to my rant.
Trisha
Yikes sorry you are dealing with that! It’s not like you’re up partying at midnight, people are just so crabby sometimes. I’d “kill them with kindness”, send flowers or wine to both sides of the townhouse, along with a note telling them you know it may get loud with such a large family next door, but you are doing your best and you promise it’s only temporary. Please accept this as a token of our gratitude for your understanding or something to that effect. Not sure it will work but they need to realize your a family and at least it’s noises of joy and fun or kids just being kids! Ooooor move in with your sis 😉
Emily
I seriously feel like I have PTSD from having to live in an apartment during part of our build. After sharing walls and floors, I promised myself never ever again. Even now after moving out when the kids will jump or squeal with excitement, I feel myself shudder and instinctively begin to tell them to stop. We are a very normal and quiet family but living like that and having to constantly tell everyone to tone it down, not laugh so loud and walk as quietly as possible was awful. It’s like I wrote this post myself. I totally understand.
Leann
I’m so sorry! That’s no way to live, on pins and needles. I’m not sure if this is good advice or not….
Have you met your neighbors? I apologize if you said you already did and I missed it. Maybe if they all met you and your family and see what nice, wonderful people you are and be more tolerant of NORMAL noise from a large family. Honestly, if you had a smaller family that noise would be normal too. I could understand if you were loud at 2 AM but it sounds like they are being a little too impatient with you. Hang in there and just know that I think it was good that you vented here. I’ll pray for peace and understanding for you and your family🙏🤩
Mel
Hate to say it but it sounds like this particular townhome is not meant to be. Sharing walls just simply sucks. If you are already feeling this way after one week, cut your losses and start looking for something different. If that means finding something not quite as nice but temporary than so be it because think of the gorgeous new house just on the horizon!
Michelle
I agree with the kill them with kindness thing… It’s always best to try to be at peace. That being said, don’t worry so much about normal noise, laughing, the noises of life, etc. If they wanted a totally quiet house, perhaps they should not have chosen to live in a townhouse. Hang in there.
Llisa Maxwell
This is terrible Cecelia! I’m so sorry you are going through this. I hope the trip alleviates some stress! I think it’s your neighbors that need to change. It doesn’t matter who lives in the next shared walls, there will be noise. Always. They need to know this. Ridiculous 🤦🏻♀️
Jane
I am so sorry this is happening! Shame on your neighbors. Hang in there. You’re a good mom with good kids. And a complaint about noise at 8PM should not be taken seriously.
Dawn Eison
I feel like that comes with the territory of moving in a townhouse. The neighbors moved in there under the understanding there will be neighbors that share walls. If they were looking for peace and quiet then maybe they should look for something not attached. I’m sure your doing the best you can and trying to limit the kid noises (mom of 5 🙋🏼♀️) but still let them be kids.