It's wrong to hate kids.
Some of the neighborhood kids keep stepping on Nicholas's grass, and he is worried about keeping his lawn nice.
Nicholas wants to stop the kids from stepping on his lawn.
Nicholas talks to the kids, and he lets them know that he is trying to keep his grass nice, asking them to please keep to the walkway.
Nicholas tells the kids that they aren't allowed near his house and threatens to prosecute them for trespassing.
The kids are mostly respectful of his wishes, and they stay on the walkway, while Nicholas enjoys a stress free relationship with most of his neighbors and their families.
The tension between Nicholas and the kids causes everyone to feel uncomfortable and, in some cases, the kids are antagonistic toward Nicholas because of his attitude toward them.