Our Son Destroyed Our Neighbor's Expensive Prized Possession. My Wife and I Disagree About Who Should Pay.

"The ball knocked a glass sun catcher from a tree, causing it to shatter on their patio. Unfortunately, it was an expensive sun catcher-$200. We paid our neighbors so they could replace it. The dispute is about whether Adam should pay us back."

"Adam gets $20 in allowance per week, and I think he should have to reimburse us. Ellen doesn't think Adam should have to be on the hook for it since it was an accident because "that's what happens with kids sometimes." I think 10 is old enough to take responsibility for something that gets damaged!"

"You're right, this is a great opportunity to teach Adam about money and responsibility. I understand where your wife is coming from-accidents happen, and this was an unusually expensive one. But instead of viewing it as punishment, could you try framing it as a valuable lesson in financial responsibility and real-world consequences?"

A 10-year-old accidentally kicked a soccer ball that shattered a neighbor's $200 glass sun catcher. The parents paid the neighbors to replace the item and now disagree about whether the child should reimburse them. The child receives a $20 weekly allowance. One parent believes the child should repay to learn financial responsibility and face real-world consequences. The other parent believes accidents happen and the child should not be held financially liable. Framing repayment as a lesson rather than punishment can teach budgeting, consequence management, and how to handle inevitable financial setbacks. Ten is cited as an appropriate age for responsibility discussions.

Read at Slate Magazine