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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:
MidnightOnceMore · 25/08/2023 19:58

Give him the new one early and never take a special toy to the park!

Poor kid, is sad when they're upset like that.

Wendysfriend · 25/08/2023 20:08

Oooh poor little guy. 😞

I would give him the one you got for his birthday, then just pick something cheaper up for the actual birthday. I wouldn't say anything about it being his actual present.

It wasn't his fault, he was playing with his toy, plus he thought he could mend it 😢 he was good about it but he's probably so sad inside

Original poster
Myohmyomy · 25/08/2023 20:31

Thank you all, especially those who suggested giving him the birthday toy now and replacing the broken one for his birthday if he still misses it then. This is perfect as the new toy is much more robust and he’ll enjoy it now at the park whereas he won’t really be use it much in the middle of winter. If I replace the broken one for his birthday we can just keep it for home.

Anyway that’s what I’ve done and he’s gone to bed very happy. Thank you again, sometimes you can’t really see the wood for the trees.

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morag1234 · 25/08/2023 20:34

I would give him the new one early. Cheer him up a bit x

napody · 25/08/2023 20:36

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

Absolutely. Poor kid, but honestly it's you as the parent who should be telling him not to take a £40 toy to the park.

Original poster
Myohmyomy · 25/08/2023 20:42

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.

Absolutely. Poor kid, but honestly it's you as the parent who should be telling him not to take a £40 toy to the park

I do get that but not everyone has a garden and some toys are just more fun outside. Anyway the new toy is much more robust…and we’ll be keeping away from toddlers when we take it.

OP posts:
CurlewKate · 25/08/2023 21:08

Give him the new one early. Tell him it's because he was so good about it.

Sunsetred · 25/08/2023 21:18

I'm so relieved to see your last update @Myohmyomy I don't understand why so many posters consider it appropriate to ask the parent of the random toddler to replace the toy. How would that work?

I think it's a good life lesson for your son @Myohmyomy. My DD3 has had this happen and it was not replaced. She got over it. She doesn't take her favourite toys out now but if she does occasionally she will give them to me to keep safe for her once she's in the park.

Octosaurus · 25/08/2023 21:36

Wait for his birthday. The other replies about how distressed he is are disturbing..... no kid should have that level of attachment to any toys

SnuggleBuggleBoo · 25/08/2023 21:48

I'm really intrigued to know what the toy is!

Theredfoxfliesatmidnight · 25/08/2023 21:53

I'd give him the new one. It wasn't his fault, he was very good about it and sounds like he behaved well. I'd give him the new one early for being a good boy and get him something else small for his birthday! He'll be far more overjoyed to get it now rather than his birthday when he may well have forgotten about the whole thing and got past it.

Wendysfriend · 25/08/2023 21:58

So glad you gave him the new toy, I bet he was delighted. Good on you.

Solasum · 25/08/2023 22:05

remote Control car??

sparkleshin · 25/08/2023 22:07

he might have grown out of it by christmas time anyway depending on what it is

mtld · 25/08/2023 22:12

I’m impressed. All these replies and not one twatty “What did the toddler’s parents say when you asked them to pay for it? 😌”

Mammyloveswine · 25/08/2023 22:34

Don't take £40 toys to the park?

curaçao · 25/08/2023 22:48

I don't really think it was the toddler's parents fault.The toddler was just doing what toddlers do! Letting a toddler play with a toy not designed for their age was just asking for trouble

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