How well do you know your neighbors? When you see one of your neighbors, do you smile politely (and uncomfortably) as if you were walking onto an elevator full of strangers? If you’ve never borrowed the proverbial cup of sugar from your neighbor, chances are your neighborhood hasn’t bonded.

Living in a neighborhood where everybody knows everybody can have its advantages. Not only is it a lot of fun for you and the kids to have neighbors to spend real time with, but it acts as a safety net for the well-being of your children. When your kids are out riding their bikes down the sidewalk and you have great neighbors, you know they’ll look out for your kids just as you would their kids! Or what about when you have an important appointment and one of your kids wakes up with pink eye? Depending on the “germaphobeness” of your neighbors, you have a better than zero chance that one of them can run over and watch your child for an hour so that you can keep your appointment.

But how, if your neighborhood isn’t bonded, do you get this to happen? How do you help your neighborhood become cohesive? Try some of these suggestions.

Form an annual block party
Have a potluck dinner
Form a rotating game night
Have a neighborhood yard sale
Have a meet and greet at the neighborhood park
Attend the HOA meetings and advocate community events
Have a charity drive

If you’re not quite ready for the above, do at least one small thing, the next time you see one of your neighbors while you get your mail, say HELLO!!!