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Original poster

Toddler broke DS toy - replace or not?

42 replies

Myohmyomy · 25/08/2023 17:50

At the park DS (6) was playing with a toy with a random toddler (2/3 years) watching nearby. Out of nowhere, toddler grabbed toy and threw it, breaking it. DS was very good about it but was clearly very upset with lip wobbling but saying he thought he could repair it. No apology from parent of toddler or consequence for toddler at all.

Getting home, it is broken beyond repair and DS very upset. I can afford to replace it (about £40) but I hadn’t budgeted for it this late into the holidays. I’ve actually bought him a better version of toy for his birthday in a few months but he does love this one.

What would you do? Replace it, give him the new one early or just not replace?

thank you

OP posts:
AlltheFs · 25/08/2023 17:53

Well it is a bit late now but what did you say to the parent of the toddler? I’d have asked them to replace it!

But as you didn’t (presumably) I’d be replacing it now.

Proudgypsy · 25/08/2023 17:54

At 6 he's old enough to understand waiting so I would tell him about the new one for his birthday but not give it early.

Bramblecrumble22 · 25/08/2023 17:54

Hmm, tricky one. I would probably give him the new one early.

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MissAmbrosia · 25/08/2023 17:54

Did you not say something to the parents?

Tlolljs · 25/08/2023 17:55

Give him the new one early.

toddlermom99 · 25/08/2023 17:55

I would give him the birth gift early if it was me

Wrongsideofpennines · 25/08/2023 17:56

I probably wouldn't replace, and just give him the updated version for his birthday. Unless you we having issues with tears and utter devastation lasting days, then I would give him it early and spend a little less on finding something else for his birthday.

It's rubbish that the other parent did nothing to stop their kid or even apologise though.

CottonPyjamas · 25/08/2023 17:58

It depends on the toy, but my son had a broken dinosaur once, so we made a toy hospital out of a shoe box. We then "fixed" the toy and gave it a bandage.

PensionPuzzle · 25/08/2023 18:00

I'd give him the new one but be clear it was meant to be for a birthday present, in part for being so good about the unpleasant experience. I know that then leaves a hole in his birthday gift arrangements, I'd get another gift to replace that for on the day but perhaps a smaller budget.

TaniaBania · 25/08/2023 18:00

Oh bless him, I'd give him the new one now and get something else for his birthday if that's affordable.

trampoline123 · 25/08/2023 18:01

Could you find a 2nd hand replacement? If not, I'd give mine his bday present early.

BabyTa · 25/08/2023 18:02

If you already bought the toy just give it to him and buy him something else for his birthday? If after receiving the new one, wants the old one, then that might be a birthday gift.

The toddler is just a toddler though. The parent(s) should have been more on it, I'm surprised they didn't offer to pay for it though

Orange67 · 25/08/2023 18:06

I would ask the parent of the toddler to replace it.

edwinbear · 25/08/2023 18:07

It sounds like he has been very mature about the whole situation. I’d give him the new one now and buy something a bit smaller for his birthday to make up the ‘shortfall’.

edwinbear · 25/08/2023 18:09

And I agree with PP, that if after receiving the ‘new one’ he still misses the ‘old one’, I’d give him a replacement of the old one for his birthday.

Proudgypsy · 25/08/2023 18:12

Orange67 · 25/08/2023 18:06

I would ask the parent of the toddler to replace it.

I don't agree with this. I think toys that you don't want to risk breaking should be kept at home. If you allow a toy to be taken to a park and for it to be shared then you have to accept the chance that it might be broken.

Summerisawashout · 25/08/2023 18:16

Give him the new one early and get him something else for his birthday

sassyduck · 25/08/2023 18:19

Give him the new one. It wasn't his fault at all!

Tortoisetowers · 25/08/2023 18:27

If he plays with it a lot, I would probably look for a cheap replacement on vinted to tide him over

Stompythedinosaur · 25/08/2023 18:29

I'd buy a replacement if I could afford it.

Goldbar · 25/08/2023 18:29

Wrongsideofpennines · 25/08/2023 17:56

I probably wouldn't replace, and just give him the updated version for his birthday. Unless you we having issues with tears and utter devastation lasting days, then I would give him it early and spend a little less on finding something else for his birthday.

It's rubbish that the other parent did nothing to stop their kid or even apologise though.

This. I would give him the new one early and buy a different birthday gift.

Autieangel · 25/08/2023 18:32

I'd give him the new toy and get him something else for his birthday

Trenchfootinthescottishhighlandstoday · 25/08/2023 18:38

Harsh lesson to leave toys in the car or at home. Can you glue it for now until the Better Version is given?

Orange67 · 25/08/2023 19:56

Proudgypsy · 25/08/2023 18:12

I don't agree with this. I think toys that you don't want to risk breaking should be kept at home. If you allow a toy to be taken to a park and for it to be shared then you have to accept the chance that it might be broken.

Edited
Show quote history

The OP says the toddler ran over and broke it - not that it was being shared?

jlpth · 25/08/2023 19:58

Give him the new one now and get him something else for his bday.

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