advice please

[asparagusmama]

I'd never thought I'd miss my neighbours so much - the alcoholic drug dealer and her shouting and her teenage mother for a daughter, or the lovely but weird couple and their 5 noisy boys and their chain smoking, and certainly not the ex prostitute who was an ardent UKIP supporter (why, I have no idea, as she was disabled and her history, well...).

Comments

[moth2fic]

I agree with the first comment.

Welcome them, explain very briefly why you can't actually go knocking at the door with apple pie, tell them your names so that they can say 'Hi' meaningfully and feel introduced, but leave any details till somebody asks. They will all have different agendas and experiences so a one-size-fits-all letter might worry or offend some even if it clarifies things for others.

I do think you should definitely write your letter, just not at quite that length.

[alittleacademe]

I think writing is a nice idea, but "you have moved in at a bad time for us" sounds a bit unwelcoming! The other commenters are right - don't give them personal details, beyond saying that "I have ME, which is why I use a wheelchair and my daughter is autism which has lead to me homeschooling her'. I think I'd put something like

Dear new neighbour,

I thought I'd introduce myself and my daughter, as people never seem to get to chat, these days, and I wanted to welcome you to the neighbourhood. I'm [name] and my daughter is [name], and we've lived here since [blah]. You might have noticed that I use a wheelchair and that my daughter is at home during the day. I have ME and a couple of other health/mobility issues, and my daughter has autism which has led to me homeschooling her. Sometimes all of the above makes it tricky to stop to chat but I wanted to say hello and hopefully we'll speak soon.

Welcome to your new home,

asparagusmama

[mrs_sweetpeach]

I think this is a wonderful response -- short, friendly, and doesn't give away too much personal information. Not to mention that if you get to know them and decide they are trustworthy, you can reveal more in person as time goes by.

[flowerpotgirl]

I agree too!
I also liked alittleacademe's shorter version as people will take on board an overview but may not be able/willing/have the time for more. Plus, it gives them something to talk to you about if they have questions (and they may not, but don't think that means they are not interested).
Moving is stressful and a busy/fraught person can seem judgemental when all they are thinking about is getting the telephone connected or what to have for tea!
Give them the notes then give them time.
Virtual hugs and I'd send spoons if I had any to spare.