Okay, so I have a problem. My next door neighbor, who is a three-year-old girl with one older brother who wants nothing to do with her, has decided I'm her boredom solution. Sometimes, this is great, since I don't have a sister either. But sometimes, I have stuff to do, like homework. Or maybe I don't feel like entertaining her 24/7. Her mother isn't much help, since she leaves her kids to entertain themselves. What can I give this girl to do on her own so she doesn't come ringing my doorbell four times in one hour?

You just have to explain to her that you can't play. Maybe giver her another time to come back. Something along the lines of "I'm sorry, I can't play right now. Maybe we can play tomorrow though." she's only three so she probably won't understand any complicated reasons anyway.

A three y/o is wandering around from house to house?

We live in an Air Force Base cul-de-sac, so yes, she's a three-year-old wandering around between her house, mine, and this other three-year-old who's not there half the time (hence her coming to my house). And @justcurious55: I've tried that. Several times. She comes back five minutes later saying, "I'm bored" or "My brother won't play with me" or "My mom says I have to play outside. Now will you play with me?"

You shouldn't be put in a position to entertain her, or "babysit" her. You could speak to her mother about your concerns, but if you don't feel it will get you anywhere, and you have concerns about the child's safety as well, you could have her try a few things, all of which can be found at the dollar store:

* let her use sidewalk chalk to draw on the sidewalk/driveway
* coloring books and crayons
* puzzles
* playdough and cookie cutters on a plastic placemat
* building blocks
* old magazines that she can tear pictures from, a glue stick, and construction paper so that she can make collages


If you were so inclined, you might keep these types of items in a special box that she gets to use only when you need time to do other things. Or it could be she only gets to use these if she comes over on Tuesday and Thursday for example. It might cut down on how often she is ringing your bell.

Then I would send her mother a bill for your services... :D

Thanks! I like the box idea. :)

You should just sit her down in your house and give her a toy and say OK play with this and go do your homework or whatever you have to do chances are she won't move if she does put on the TV and she'll be gluded there :)

I am not positive on this, so I would hope someone who knows better can correct me, but if it is illegal for a child of 3 to be left alone at home, would it also not be illegal for the child to be outside alone?

I would talk to your parents and consider calling the MP's over for a well check on the child's home. Find out why the child is out side by herself.

Thanks for the suggestions, but actually she just moved. No more Bella. :)

Thank you for the update. I am glad to know she will not be a bother to you anymore. I still worry about this child. As I do all children under 6 allowed to just wander aimlessly around the neighborhood alone.