Results: Homeschooling Kids Declared a Nuisance

Have you heard about the homeschooling family in Texas who is being sued because their children are apparently too loud?

Kelly and Andrew Counts of Plano have 4 children, whom Kelly educates at home. Since their days are shorter than if they were in a formal school setting, they often have time to play outside if the weather is nice. Their next door neighbors, the Wards, have a real problem with the children playing outside. They claim that it is disturbing the peace and quiet that they deserve when "most children" are away at school. Do you think they have a point?

The Counts claim they originally had no idea that the Wards were upset about the "noise". They knew that the Wards had a supposed visibility issue with one of their play structures. They removed the roof and the HOA ruled that it was acceptable. However, no one ever approached them about any excessive noise. Kelly only figured it out when she noticed Irving and Anita Ward would blare "lewd" music each and every time the children went outside. Do you think this is an effective way to deal with the problem?

Now the Wards have filed a suit against the Counts family. Kelly claims she has tried to just go next door and talk with them, but repeatedly gets the door shut in her face. Do you think the Wards refusal to address the issue directly takes any credibility away from their case?

These people all live in a neighborhood ran by an HOA. Houses in these neighborhoods are typically fairly close together. Do you think this is a situation where they've basically made their bed by choosing to live in such a neighborhood?

Do you think that the Counts children, and other homeschooled children, should have to stay inside during "normal" school hours?