It sounds like the old couple next door in LW2's dilemma has nothing better to do than harrass the young family next door. I would suggest politely asking them about their own (presumably grown) children, and why they don't save their "advice" for their own grandkids. Odds are, the kids grew up and got out while the getting was good. Then you can point out that perhaps their intrusive and overbearing style has caused a rift between themselves and their own kids that you would prefer not to replicate with your own kids. And if by some miralce their own kids are still involved with the intrusive old couple, suggest they limit their back-seat parenting to the family, thank you.

Alternatively, tell them you are hoping to have your children severely psychologically damaged, and that is why you leave them unattended and watched over by dangerous psychopathic strangers. And their intrusiveness is helping to generate additional neuroticism in the kids, so please, keep it up.

.. or she could just tell them to fuck off. ;)

Actually, the ONLY method that will work with them is to ignore them. I'm not suggesting that the young couple make the best of a bothersome situation. I'm saying that when they talk, the mom should simply turn and walk away, as if she were in the presence of a ghost. After a few weeks of non-response, the old couple will lose interest in their new hobby. At that point, the young couple could possibly re-define the relationship on their own terms.

Often, older couples feel their life experiences qualify them as experts on a variety of subjects. Younger and middle-aged people know that life is best lived on ones own terms.

Good advice, FBH. Confronting them would be like pouring gasoline on a fire. The LW is depressed about how things are right now. Escalating things is the last thing she needs.

I was a little curious why the mom hasn't apparently been able to connect with anybody else in this neighborhood that's supposedly so friendly. It's guaranteed that these crabby people have had run-ins with other neighbors.

FBH:

Often, older couples feel their life experiences qualify them as experts on a variety of subjects. Younger and middle-aged people know that life is best lived on ones own terms.

I disagree. Some people are just know it alls who have to tell the world, and I have yet to find an age that has more of them then other ages.

dberne:

Alternatively, tell them you are hoping to have your children severely psychologically damaged, and that is why you leave them unattended and watched over by dangerous psychopathic strangers. And their intrusiveness is helping to generate additional neuroticism in the kids, so please, keep it up.

Oh to be a fly on the wall during that little exchange.

Yeah, like me and half the other people on the Fray Boards.

SpaceCadet:

Yeah, like me and half the other people on the Fray Boards.

Ain't that the truth!!! <snicker>

MistPather,

Good point! Know-it-alls don't tend to be age specific. I've met many older adults who are patient and available and won't offer advice not requested. It's just that I've met several older folks like the ones mentioned, and they do get under the skin for longer than expected.

I think ignoring them is probably the best route. I think I'd give them the "cut direct" and murmur, "How nice for you," as I walked away.

The truth is that if the other neighbors haven't seen thru the hatefulness of this couple, the LW is better off without them as friends.

I've found a vacuous smile and "How interesting" to work rather well for me (though not as satisfying as a Maglite to the kidney.....)

catseye:

SpaceCadet:

Yeah, like me and half the other people on the Fray Boards.

Ain't that the truth!!! <snicker>

I resemble that remark!