In praise of neighborhoods where kids can be kids

To the editor:

After reading Mel Nichols' Sunday letter, in which she states she is moving from the Las Vegas Valley to get away from noisy neighborhood kids, I began contemplating my own childhood growing up in Las Vegas.

I lived on a street with about a dozen kids, all about the same age. We spent our free days outside playing street football, kickball, hide and seek (where everyone's front yard was fair game), tag and other such games. We never got yelled at by any bitter, mean, childless homeowners. We were allowed to be kids.

I credit the atmosphere of my neighborhood and the people who lived there for allowing us to have such an idyllic childhood full of fond memories.

So, after my trip down memory lane, I have just one response to Ms. Nichols about her not-too-soon departure from our valley: Don't let the door hit you on the way out.

Teresa Harris

LAS VEGAS

Bad parents

To the editor:

The problem of loud, obnoxious behavior by children (Thursday commentary) is caused by a lack of interest by the parents, and by the parents dragging these children to restaurants and other places rather than staying home with them.

When it came to dining out, we took turns staying with the children. One parent would stay home with the kids, and the other parent would get a to-go container.

Lately, I have decided not to allow these annoying, loud or screaming children to impinge upon my space. I walk over to the parents and let them know that many people are disturbed by the noise that is presently happening. I do, of course, receive a variety of responses -- mostly blank stares. While this doesn't solve the problem, at least it gives the parents something to think about -- and it makes me feel better.

AMY JONES

LAUGHLIN