thread: What would you do? What would you want?

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  1. #1
    BellyBelly Member
    Add Tobily on Facebook

    May 2004
    Brisbane
    1,814

    I agree with Willow. We live on top of a hill and the whole street can hear my kids when they're cracking it....they'd hear every single tantrum I reckon. I'd die if one of the neighbours came over and offered to help with them I'd totally see through that. But company is different, less threatening I think.

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Dec 2007
    Adelaide, SA
    896

    I think you should just go over and introduce yourself, they are your new neighbours after all.
    Just mention if she needs anything youd be glad to help, gone are the good old days of when our grandparents and parents knew all the neighbours (in my area anyway)

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Feb 2006
    Mornington Peninsula, Vic
    1,624

    Yeah, go and say hi, in this day and age people are so "closed doors" - you never know when you might need her help and vice versa. I have a lovely neighbour - about 60 who makes me pumpkin soup and cakes and I know would always be there if I had any kind of an emergency. If your neighbour is like me and is open to another pair of hands now and again she will welcome you with open arms. It is really nice to have other mums with young kids close by and if you all stick together it will be a great bond, company and help.

    Laurin

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Apr 2007
    Somewhere here and there.....
    483

    Never hurts to just go over or lean over the fence if you see her out and say hello Im so and so and if you ever want to come round for a coffee do so and feel free to bring your kids. You never know, down the track it could be her lending you a helping hand once your own bub is here. Besides its always nice making a new friend

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Jul 2007
    Over the rainbow
    1,509

    I have not read every post, but you know what ... I think she might like some grown-up conversation. Take her some chicken pie, or baked pudding.

    I personally would not be offended. Just make sure your body language does not "judge". Like if her house is in chaos ... don't notice, If her couch looks like it's been decorated with Oreo's, sit down, kwim?? THAT might offend her, would me. If you come to visit me, you take it like it is.

    Hope you make a new friend

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Nov 2005
    Where the heart is
    4,360

    I second MantaRay and all other posts of that ilk - go over, set up a coffee date and suss her out. If you go over and she's really stuffed and looks like she'd eat up your company if only she weren't in her PJ's, then I'd offer to hold the baby while she showers, too
    You are being so thoughtful, and I think that if this is your inclination, go with it - your intentions are lovely and she'd have to be neurotic to take your actions badly...although we're talking new mum...so maybe she IS neurotic and just needs someone to kickstart her back to reality!!

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Jul 2006
    Melbourne
    3,715

    I'm with MR, Maya etc. Pop over with some morning tea, have a chat and get to know her. Don't be fussed if she looks frazzled, it's likely she's embarrassed that someone's busted her in her pjs/bub screaming etc. And yeah, if she's looking stressed, offer to mind the kids while she has a shower, or goes shopping (or offer to do her shopping for her). But TBH, I personally would need to have met someone more than once to be able to leave my DS with them, even just to have a quick shower. But as she gets to know you, she may well feel comfortable with that, and really appreciate it!

    Good on you for wanting to help It's nice to have neighbours with kids too, I hope you get along with her.

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Oct 2006
    home sweet home.
    1,995

    I reckon go for it. Having moved to Sydney a year or so ago with DH living in Canberra for work for the first 6 months, I would have absolutely loved if my neighbours had been so welcoming. I'd bake some muffins or something and go over and say, 'I've made a huge batch and we won't finish them all so I thought you might like them'. Take her cues, if she invites you in then go, but if she seems like it is a really bad time then just leave it at that.

    You never know, she migh be a BB'er and already know you are coming (lol)

    Spring xx