Opinions/thoughts ...

[sherrardk]

The people next door have 4/5 year old twins and a little one who is probably about 18 months old. They are very quiet, never hear any playing or the baby crying, etc. Occasionally the parents have a right dong-dong which would put Eastenders to shame. I don't know them, but will say hello, etc in the street and in the playground. The husband occasionally does some work for my husband (but being blokes they probably know no mo about each other than they did before they worked together). Today, I was upstairs and heard the baby crying (not temper, just ordinary crying) and out of the blue she started screeching 'shut it', then 'I said shut it!' followed by her screaming. I was tempted to go round (don't know what I would have said though). I saw her up the school later and the baby is obviously not well (but wasn't crying and wasn't crying last night either so she wasn't tired from a lack of sleep). Obviously I am concerned but what would you do/have done?

[sherrardk]

Hi Anne - the baby just seems to have a cold, nothing sinister. It was the screeching that worried me.

[anneasquith]

well sher, i standby my previous answer.

[NiallsMama]

Hello sherrardk! Im only passing my own opinion here, and trying to put your mind at ease too, I have a 2yr old and a 5yr old and live in mews type houses, all attached to each other, next doors have had some right dingdongs, children included, and to be fair I at one point many years ago was considering reporting them from the shouting that I heard. turns out, getting to know the couple and the children that its all fine, the girls come and babysit for my 2 when they in bed and we have a meal out, but I did keep a diary of what was happening at the time, just in case!
Screeching is something im keen to avoid with mine, but I do shout and sometimes have to give myself a 'time out' before I get to screeching!

[benny3008]

from what I know from when we used to live in the cul de sac, she is not the most patient with the baby, I remember hearing her screaming as well and constantly arguing with her husband. I personally wouldn't know what to suggest other than keep an eye and if you think necessary, call social services for advice.

[radiogaga]

maybe offer her some help, even inviting her for a cup of tea??
the poor woman needs some adult company/chat.
social services indeed. some people.!

[zzxxee]

keep an eye on the situation for now. you say you see her up the school?
do you have kids the same age as hers?
invite her kids to play with yours. Befriend her, and have her in for coffee ect, you may then see the bigger picture, and decide what to do from there.