Trash Pick Up

Today I was out front with my kids. E was riding her bike and someone had busted a bottle to the side of our house on the sidewalk. She almost cut her foot. Then there was a gatorade bottle on the street near our yard. Then I saw 3 teenage boys walking home from school and they threw an empty can on my neighbors yard. I said, "you should pick that up"& he said it was not his and I said I saw you throw it. Then they just kept walking. I said I know where yall live & will tell your parents. Then they walked around the block & while I was inside they picked up the can. I went back outside & they were walking past again & I said, "look I am not trying to be mean I just want you to pick up your trash" they showed me that they pick it up & I said thank you that is so good of you.
In between the time I asked them to pick up the trash I had gone inside & called DH. We were worried they would come back and do something to our house. You know it is really sad that we have to be scared to exercise our authority as parents and adults. But I am really glad I had the courage to stand up to them & that it turned out good. Now hopefully they won't throw their trash down again, at least not when I am watching.