[D1X1E]

(I can't afford the frivolous lawsuits from my neighbors if one of my 3 teenage boys accidently throws the football into their yard while I'm at work.)

You are right that is very possible and how ridiculous too. Also beware the busybodies who may call someone because the boys are home alone. I had someone call the police with that very story. My son was 17 at the time! The rule was cannot go outside or have anyone in the house until an adult is home. That's where he was, in the house. I was so mad its a wonder I wasnt arrested. Its a shame really. Growing up, all the neighborhood kids pretty much played together and all the moms or dads at home kept an eye out on all. Ah well, different times, not necessarily better.

[redlocks322]

That is the exact same rules we have - no company, no going anywhere (off the property, except to walk to the pool when my mom isn't available to come to town and drive them) unless an adult is home. Our boys are 17, 15 and 14 so I don't worry about being turned in for that. They aren't allowed to "take a walk" with their girlfriends (15 and 17 year old) unless one of us is home, or if the girls parents are home and have called us first.

Of course the boys think we are way too strict, but our motto is "If we don't know where you are and what you are doing, then we cannot protect you when the cops come to the door".

So, it's not about not wanting them to enjoy the outdoors, it's about making sure there is never a reason for them to be accused of anything. And that's the saddest thing of all. No longer are the days when kids could be kids - wrestle around, explore, mouth off to each other without the fear of being hauled off to juevenile home.