For weeks, Brad endured his neighbor’s son ringing his doorbell and fleeing. When he raised the issue, the boy’s mother dismissed it, saying, “He’s just being a boy.” Fed up, Brad decided to stop the pranks his way.

He posted a “Beware of Dog” sign and set up barking sounds to play when the doorbell rang. The next time the boy pranked, the growls startled him, and he ran home crying. Brad’s point was made—no more pranks.

That evening, the boy’s mother texted angrily, upset her son cried all afternoon and questioning Brad’s actions. Brad wondered if he’d gone too far. He only wanted peace without escalating things.

Reflecting, Brad thought a calmer approach might have avoided drama but hoped the pranks were over. He considered proposing a middle ground to the mother—acknowledging kids’ playfulness but stressing mutual respect. Everyone deserves comfort at home, and Brad hoped the prank war was done.