Moving isn’t answer to morning mayhem

DEAR ABBY: Suggesting that an older couple (“Upset in Washington,” June 13) move to a community for people over age 55 because they’re bothered by children playing early in the morning is just one more example of how we have ended up living in a world of intolerance and division.

I would suggest that what really needs to happen is a kind and thoughtful discussion about how the kids can play quietly in the mornings.

Communities for older adults are beneficial when they provide long-term care and are integrated into the larger community. Places that amount to self-contained towns are the product of a society unwilling to be compassionate about different needs and priorities, and unaware of the benefits of shared intergenerational wisdom. — Massachusetts Mommy

DEAR MOMMY: Like you, many readers were against the idea of the couple being forced to move because of the noise. They offered suggestions for coping, as well as opinions about parenting. Read on:

DEAR ABBY: When people move into a neighborhood, they need to try to fit in rather than demand the neighbors accommodate them.

I say yes to getting soundproof windows. And perhaps “Upset’s” husband should talk with his doctor about his sleep problems. However, the parents must take responsibility for their young kids. Let the kids play inside at8a.m.

P.S. Sometimes, being nice to the neighbor kids and getting to know them can make a challenging situation better. — Also in Washington

DEAR ABBY: In my neighborhood, the landscapers arrive at 7 a.m. The racket wakes everyone. The answer for us was the white noise machine our daughter got us. — Ann from Sun City

DEAR ABBY: I called the police because of screaming children. After they came, I never heard the screaming again. I’ll repeat what the officer told me: “Everyone is entitled to peace.” — Michiganreader

DEAR ABBY: Indulgent parents who fail to teach their children respect for others breed young adults who feel they’re never wrong. You should have suggested the children be confined to their backyard to burn off their energy. — Different Opinion in Georgia

DEAR ABBY: Children have a right to play outside before school, but playing unsupervised in the street is a tragedy waiting to happen. Also, why should people who have lived in their home for 31 years have to move? — Careful in Connecticut

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www. Dearabby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.