A mother has been left stunned after her three-year-old child was aggressively shouted at by a neighbour – all because a ball accidentally rolled onto their property.
The incident, which occurred on a quiet residential street, was caught on the family's doorbell camera. In the footage, the irate neighbour can be heard screaming at the toddler, demanding they "stay off my property" after the child's ball strayed onto their driveway.
'Absolutely Disgusting' Behaviour
The shocked mother, who wished to remain anonymous, described the neighbour's outburst as "absolutely disgusting". She told reporters: "My little one was just playing outside our home like any normal child would. The ball went a few feet onto their driveway by accident, and this grown adult thought it was appropriate to scream at a preschooler."
Community Backlash
Local residents have rallied behind the young family, with many calling the neighbour's behaviour "completely unacceptable". One neighbour commented: "We all have to live together on this street. If you can't tolerate children playing occasionally, maybe city living isn't for you."
The viral footage has sparked heated debates online about reasonable expectations in residential areas and how adults should interact with children in their community.
Parenting Experts Weigh In
Child psychologists have warned that such aggressive behaviour from adults can have lasting effects on young children. Dr. Emily Patterson, a child development specialist, explained: "Being shouted at by an unfamiliar adult can be terrifying for a child this age. It undermines their sense of safety in their own neighbourhood."
The mother says she's since had a calm conversation with her child about the incident, but worries about the long-term impact on her toddler's confidence to play outside.
