DAMAGES OTHER CHILD'S TOYS

PARENT: My children were playing roughly and damaged their friend's toys. Should I make them pay for replacement of the toys?

SANDY: What would you do if it were you?  If you broke something of your friends  you would want to try to replace it. The principle is the point here: you do not have the right (deliberately or accidentally) to harm someone else s property. Appropriate amends are necessary.  If your child can't afford to replace a broken item, you can pay for it and have your child work off the payment with appropriate chores. It is not advisable for the parent to pay for the damage a child does --this does not teach responsibility or respect to that child.

Copyright (C) Sandy Spurgeon McDaniel, 2000