UGH!!! DD dropped her Video Now that she got for Christmas

[MrsPete]

I guess I'm the mean mom 'cause I would've said, "I'm very sorry that you broke it, honey. If you want another one, you can earn the money by doing these chores."

 

[KristiKelly]

MrsPete I guess I'm the mean mom 'cause I would've said, "I'm very sorry that you broke it, honey. If you want another one, you can earn the money by doing these chores."

Usually I will make my kids pay or wait for things, but in this one instance, she was trying to help. She had her video now & the discs that goes with it all in her hands. She was taking them and putting them in her room. She simply had too much in her hands & the Video Now fell. I don't see a point in punishing a child for trying to help, it wasn't as though she was being careless or irresponsible, she was TRYING to do the right thing.

 

[DianeV]

Didnt I read that this child is only 5? Accidents DO happen especially with young kids this age..I wouldnt punish them or make them "earn" another one

 

[minmate]

I wouldn't have punished her either, especially since you were able to get it replaced at no extra cost...

 

[MrsPete]

Punishment? I didn't say a word about punishment. I wouldn't spank a child or punish her in any other way because she broke a toy -- especially since it was an accident. I especially wouldn't yell at her or belittle her in any way.

I try to approach things from the "natural consequences" standpoint. The toy is broken -- there's no guilt or blame -- it's just a fact. However, it costs money to replace it. Having the child do some chores to replace the item helps her understand the way the world works. I'm not sure I'd tell a five-year old that it ended up being replaced for free; I wonder if it would confuse her about other things being replaced for free in the future. I'm iffy on that little wrinkle. We all experience natural consequences in our lives: If I wreck my car today, it's going to take some effort and money to fix it -- even if it's not my fault.

Other natural consequences:
You wet the bed last night, so we need to work together to put the sheets into the washer.
The soda is spilled on the floor, so we'll have water with our dinner tonight.
The toys aren't picked up yet, so we can't go outside to play until it's done.

Natural consequences are an important life lesson, and children who grasp the concept early in life avoid pain down the road. It should never be confused with punishment.

 

[amybowles9]

My son crunched his somehow and it will only play without a cartridge. They must be made very cheaply, even though they cost a lot.

Hope you can get a new on.e

 

[DianeV]

I guess in my opinion that is a bit too much thought going into replacing a toy that was broken by accident but that is just me..