Home Things to Do 12 Simple Ways Connect with Your Neighbors by Amber GuetebierJuly 19, 2022 iStock Search more like this book clubcommunity centerfresh bakedhow topot luckmake simplecoffee cakechemicalbouquetapartmentscentsoapfriendshipcleaning Advertisement Trending Now Viral & Trending School’s Cell Phone Policy Goes Viral after Mom Refuses to Comply: ‘Nope’ News California Becomes 1st State to Provide Free Meals to Public School Kids News CDC’s New COVID Guidelines: Kids Can Stay in Class If Exposed News Nanny Job Listing Goes Viral Because It’s Bonkers News The ‘Sweet Magnolias’ Cast Is Posting Sneak Peeks of Season 3 on Instagram Advertisement Do you ever wonder how to be a good neighbor? It can be as simple as waving hi, chatting up the family next door, or helping someone out when they need a hand. Remember, it’s never too late to strengthen your bond with the people who live next door, across the street, or at the end of the block. Here are 12 simple ways you and the kids can connect with your neighbors today and every day. Zoe Schaeffer on Unsplash 1. Ask them their name. This seems like a no-brainer, but so often we don’t know even know our neighbor’s names!2. Exchange phone numbers. A simple gesture that says you’re looking out for them. 3. Bake something. The holidays often bring this kind of tradition, but why not invoke it on a random Wednesday? Few people will be disappointed in freshly baked bread, cookies, or other goodies. And everybody loves coffee cake.4. Plant it. A cutting from your favorite houseplant or a pre-potted begonia: even a small bouquet of flowers is a sweet and inexpensive way to say, “Hey!”5. Arrange an interview. Use this get-to-know-your-neighbors guide to help your kids interview your neighbors. 6. Make it a double. Next time you’re at the store, grab an extra bar of soap, dishwashing liquid or another cleaning product and gift it to your neighbor. It doesn’t need to be expensive, and keep in mind many people have chemical and scent sensitivities.7. Make a hello card. Have the kids paint or draw a simple card that just says “Hello, neighbor!”8. Carry the load. Help unload the trunk of the car or pick up a package from the bottom of the stairs and place it in front of their door. 9. Invite them to dinner. Make dinner at your house or meet them at your favorite place. There are so many options for your comfort level.10. Do a work exchange. Mow their lawn, shovel their driveway, pull weeds or something similar. Even if you live in an apartment building you can help tidy up communal spaces or carry their recycling down to the street.11. Organize a pot-luck. If you don’t have the space to do this in your own place, use a nearby park or community center. Make simple invites that you hand-deliver and set a time limit. 12. Start a club. If you share a passion or hobby with your neighbor, do this hobby together or start a group in your community. This could be a book club, knitting club, woodworking club and so on. The options are endless!—Taylor Clifton, Amber Guetebier RELATED STORIES16 Ways Kids Can Give Back Right from Home22 Ways to Make Your Hometown More Awesome(Nearly) Effortless Ways You Can Help End Food Insecurity Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)Click to share on Copy (Opens in new window) Search more like this book clubcommunity centerfresh bakedhow topot luckmake simplecoffee cakechemicalbouquetapartmentscentsoapfriendshipcleaning Welcome to our Tinybeans family! Be sure to check your email for new activities, recipes and parenting hacks – and to see if you’ve won! Do you have a dog or cat? 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