Living next to a school has its perks – fresh energy, laughter in the mornings – and its headaches. For one homeowner, it was the constant parade of cars double-parked on a narrow street, sometimes blocking driveways entirely. Usually, it was no big deal. But one morning, it became a test of patience, quick thinking, and a bit of playful justice.
The homeowner arrived to find a woman parked in their driveway. Politely, they asked her to move for just a moment so they could pull in, promising she could back up where she was afterward. The woman replied she would only be a few minutes.
The homeowner explained the narrow street meant she wasn’t just in their way – she was also blocking traffic. “I cannot wait here a few minutes,” they said firmly. But the woman refused to budge.
That’s when the homeowner decided to fight fire with… strategic inconvenience.
A Lesson in Patience and Creative Justice
The homeowner parked perpendicular to the woman’s vehicle, effectively blocking both her car and their own driveway. As they walked past, they mentioned, casually, that they needed to use the bathroom and had stomach cramps.
“You’re welcome to call the police if you like,” they added, “I’ll be out in a bit.” The expression on the woman’s face, caught between disbelief and frustration, was priceless.
Minutes passed. Honking erupted down the street. Then came the doorbell, a child peering through the Ring camera. “I’ll be out in a minute, I’m washing my hands,” the homeowner called.
The child shouted back to his mother, repeating the words. By the time the homeowner emerged, all the other vehicles had cleared. They walked slowly past the woman’s car, avoiding eye contact, then got into their vehicle.
Adjusting mirrors and seat, they started the car and inched forward deliberately. Tires screeched, horns honked, and the woman finally drove off, likely receiving a verbal scolding from her own child in the process.
Why It Resonates
This story hits a universal chord: everyone who’s ever had their driveway blocked knows the frustration.
Studies on urban street congestion and residential parking suggest that cars blocking private driveways are a surprisingly common issue, especially near schools during drop-off and pick-up times.
Some cities even report complaints to local councils daily about minor parking infractions and the stress they cause for residents ()
Moreover, the reactions of both parent and child highlight a simple social truth: lessons about patience, respect for private property, and accountability are often learned best through direct experience rather than lectures. It’s a reminder that small, clever forms of resistance – in this case, the homeowner simply claimed the space they were entitled to – can send a message without crossing legal or ethical lines.
Here’s how people reacted to the post:
Some praised the homeowner’s clever tactic, noting it was a “perfect role model for the kid.”
Others shared similar experiences, from scraping cars while maneuvering around blocked driveways to using humorous signage like neon “No Parking” stickers.
One user highlighted a funny twist in Australia, where the law actually gives trespassers certain temporary rights, making the homeowner’s strategic patience all the more impressive.
Sometimes the best lessons in respect and patience are taught not with anger, but with calm, controlled cleverness.
Blocking your own driveway to teach a would-be trespasser a lesson might seem petty, but the outcome – both the child learning a lesson and the parent being reminded of boundaries – shows restraint and wit rather than aggression.
Next time someone parks across your driveway, it might be worth remembering: slow, deliberate action speaks louder than a honking horn.
