The girls who scream, "Wolf!"

[Ivas]

There is a problem in our apartment complex for which I would appreciate some sage advice.
A group of girls of between six and eleven years of age have discovered that they can SCREAM. That is to say, they can make a shrill, piercing and alarming sound that their male counterparts cannot produce. They use this "power" gratuitously for no seeming purpose.

They have no idea how that sound stirs an immediate response amongst adults to come to their defense. I have leapt outa' my seat and rushed to the door more times than I care to remember. It's instinctual to help a child in distress.

These girls are from Latino families that do not discourage this sort of thing in any way. I do indeed speak Spanish, that's not the problem. I just am unsure how to broach the subject, in Spanish or English, with their parents who pay it no never mind. Have they really never heard the tale of the "Boy who cried, wolf!" ? What should I do?

[formare]

Folks next to me are as wasp as can be without actual being born in the nazi baby factory. Three girls, all of them make that same sound. I think it's an age thing....

[PoorMansCamaro]

Buy the book, give it to the parents.

[angie7]

Unfornately kids will be kids. We have a few in my apt complex that do the same thing. My b/f is a cop so it gets his heart racing when he hears it. We have learned to just ignore it as best we can. Turn the tv up louder

[RubyCamaro]

It is an attention seeking behavior. The more attention it gets, even negative attention or consequences, the more the behavior is "rewarded" (reinforced) & the more it will happen. Ignoring it is actually the best response. It is better to focus on what you will do with your emotions when they do it. BTW - this is what I do for a living.

[Sarah]

Offer this as a peace offering

[coolman]

Move to the country.

[The Stig]

Only downside to ignoring it is well the obvious. What happens when they're actually screaming for a reason. Now I don't have kids so I am only speaking from my viewpoint (firefighter), and I don't think I will ever be able to tune out a child's scream.

[SSmoothie]

One word, airhorn

[Havok]

Paint ball right between the eyes should shut them up. Take the shot from the second story.

[TOMS1SS]

I have had similar issues with my neighbors since getting rid of the house and moving back to the complex. All you can really do is knock on the door and ask to talk to the parents. If they tell you to F off, talk to the complex and if they don't do anything call the cops for noise pollution. Maybe its just me but just because you live in a complex doesn't mean you have to accept sub-standard neighbors....

[FenwickHockey65]

Just reinforces my belief that the more trees, cows, land, and fences between me and my neighbors, the better.

[Ivas]

I love the suggestions for air horns and paint ball retribution, yet I know that the best counsel you proffered is that of benign neglect, as difficult as that may be.
Thank you, folks.

[DevilsReject97]

Might seem a bit harsh...

But I worry about my kid and only my kid. If I'm outside and see something, I try to help or correct it....

However, if I'm inside and can't see it... I'm not really worried about it. Sounds bad I know, but it's not my job to babysit or watch out for your kids..... you should be doing that yourself...