Cry Baby Cry

Guest Blog by Nila Ridings

Long ago we learned it’s no secret that HOAs despise children. Especially kids who ride bicycles, throw balls, want purple swing sets and playhouses, and now…even babies who cry! Little Peter Ronnevik cries like all healthy babies. However, he was living in a condo where he was not allowed to cry according to Peter’s neighbor. (Who refuses to allow his name to be published!)

Jessica and Karl Ronnevik wised up and moved out of the condo. Their intolerant-of-crying neighbor suggested they buy some parenting books. I am suggesting they buy Neighbors At War by Ward Lucas. They very well might not have realized how close they came to a legal battle over Peter’s vocal cords, but they should not buy another roof over their heads without reading Ward’s book.

Nobody addresses the REAL PROBLEM here. So, I will. It’s the construction of the condos. Cheap, just like cereal boxes, cheap. No sound barriers, nothing more than some drywall boards for the sound barrier. For sound sensitive people,  As we all know, condos are not a good place to live, period. But the poor quality construction means if the neighbor coughs, blows his nose, or snores at a level that would compete with a freight train, you are going to hear all of it and sometimes in three-part harmony! If the dog barks, the phone rings, they play or practice their piano or saxophone, the TV is above whisper level, or their 5 AM wake-up alarm blares, you are going to hear it. It’s the end result of cheap construction!

There is an old saying: “Long after the sweetness of a low price is gone the bitterness of poor quality remains.” Everybody living in an condo or town house should post that on their refrigerator and nightstand. We need a constant reminder that cheap housing always comes with a higher price to pay in one form or another.

For Mr. Anonymous in Greensboro, Connecticut who despises crying children, I hope you never become a parent.

(link to story on crying baby)