For many parents, encouraging your children to go outside and play is a top priority - especially if you can guarantee they'll be getting the fresh air they need in a safe environment.
But one mum from the US has found herself embroiled in a feud with her neighbours after she allowed her two-year-old daughter to play in her own fenced-off garden.
Posting her story on Reddit, the mum said she let her daughter venture outside by herself while she kept an eye on her from the house, but when her neighbours saw the tot outside without a parent, they immediately assumed she had been left "unattended".
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Now, the woman's neighbours have threatened to "report" her for "neglecting" her child - even after she explained that it was a misunderstanding.
She said: "We have a sunroom and a fenced yard. During warm weather, I will hang in the sunroom and leave the door open for my toddler to play in our fenced yard.
"Our neighbour noticed and shouted over to me, then ran to our door, claiming they thought the toddler was unattended to. I explained that the sunroom door is open and I’m watching her.
"This happened again today, except this time the neighbour mentioned she should call someone to report my neglect."
The mum is now concerned she may be letting her daughter outside when she's "too young", but ultimately believes it's perfectly safe since her child is playing in a completely fenced garden.
She added: "Does she have a leg to stand on? Am I seeing this as a non-issue when she’s maybe too young for that? I feel like it’s the same as sitting on the park bench while your kid is on the playground, except safer because it’s our own fenced home."
Commenters on Reddit were on the mum's side, as many of them agreed that as long as she's keeping an eye on her child, it makes no difference whether she is outside or in the sunroom.
One person said: "Take a short video of your kid playing in the yard from where you usually watch her. If anyone comes just show them the video, and your secure yard. Done."
While another added: "For whatever it’s worth, I let my kids play alone in our fenced, locked, and kid proofed yard while I watch from the deck or a window.
"I think it’s very helpful for developing independence and autonomy to not have mummy following perpetually two steps behind."
"I’m so sorry. My 5-year-old has always played on our three acre farm freely. Your neighbour is too much", a third wrote.
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