Neighbours can also be the best of friends. Here are some tips on building good relationships.
If your neighbours are willing, exchange home phone numbers and find out how to reach them at work in case of emergency.
Invite your neighbours over occasionally. Make sure they know the layout of your house or flat and make an effort to learn theirs. Such knowledge could be important in a crisis.
When a new family moves in, welcome them with a basket of fruit or some homemade biscuits and a list of nearby shops and plumbers, electricians and handymen, whom you would recommend. Offer to collect post and newspapers and to keep an eye on their home while they're on holiday. Be friendly, but don't make a nuisance of yourself, some people prefer to keep their distance from their close neighbours.
Organise an annual party for your neighbours. Have everyone bring something - food, drinks or entertainment. Make an effort to chat with neighbours you don't know well.
To smooth year-round relationships, establish a neighbourhood committee to consider such problems as roaming dogs, loud parties, rubbish that is not removed and crime.
Start a neighbourhood newsletter (the children can be reporters).
