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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

DC1 has damaged my only Christmas Present

53 replies

Giftdilema · 27/12/2017 18:50

For years I didn't get anything at Christmas. Over a decade actually for reasons I won't go into. This year I have been bought one of the cheaper Kindles which I have wanted for years but never been able to afford as I love reading and was made up.

I was reading it but left it on a desk while I was moving something, right in the middle so it was safe and could be seen but DC1 (15) has moved it so they could use the desk. Instead of giving it to me or moving it somewhere else safe they have balanced it on top of a small box on the table and then after they have finished what they were doing walked off leaving it there.
They have then moved something banging it into the table and the Kindle has fell down the back of the desk scratching the screen.

It's usable but it's not the point. Aibu to be really upset even though it was a careless accident?

Their first reaction was to scream that I had made them feel guilty for checking it wasn't broken and not an apology and asking if it was OK.

I'm actually gutted. I never get nothing of my own.

OP posts:
quencher · 27/12/2017 19:07

It depends if it's only the screen which is broken or the digitiser too (the screen underneath it.
It depends how broken it is. Their is a possibility it hasn't started leaking yet. Just hope that is not the case.

Original poster
Giftdilema · 27/12/2017 19:08

Thanks it was a gift and I don't even have the receipt. It came in a plain box with just the charger cable and bubble wrap so I'm not even sure it was a brand new one (I didn't/don't care) but I'm sure they said there was some warranty on it so possibly a refurbished one.

Dc1 used to be lovely. But definitely hit teens with a vengeance and hates being told anything they have done is wrong or that they are to blame for anything and will do anything to try and turn blame on someone else. Driving me insane in general at the moment. Woe is them...

OP posts:
quencher · 27/12/2017 19:09

Contacting amazon sounds good.

FrancisCrawford · 27/12/2017 19:10

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Touchmybum · 27/12/2017 19:10

That's teens for you.... am sure he feels awful though and doesn't want to let on.

NotTheFordType · 27/12/2017 19:14

Do you have house insurance with accidental damage cover?

Can you contact the person who gave it to you and explain what's happened? (I appreciate you might be embarrassed but I'm sure the person would want you to get the benefit of contacting Amazon if it was new.)

As a separate issue, I'd be wanting to discuss things with my DC about respect for other people's belongings, and that when they've caused an accident, the proper response is to say sorry, not kick off at having their bad behaviour pointed out Hmm

froshiechipandbrickie · 27/12/2017 19:14

I’d be very upset as well. This is shitty Flowers

If you don’t have the receipt, could you ask the person that gave it to you?

Yes, tell DS that his load of chores has increased and that you’re expecting an apology. My mother used to make me write essays about what I did wrong / what I should have done differently when I was a teen. Which was actually a surprisingly effective ‘punishment’...

harrietsoton · 27/12/2017 19:19

I found this website:
www.kindlerepair.co.uk/kindle-fire-tablet-repairs

You can select your model and see what they would charge.

quencher · 27/12/2017 19:26

Do you have house insurance with accidental damage cover?
This one can be tricky depending on how much the kindle was. I broke something similar, I tried to claim for it and I had to pay £100. Any price from the repairs or replacement they would cover. Biggest mistake as it was £40 on the high street.

Beakyplinders · 27/12/2017 19:28

I agree with asking Amazon first, they're usually really good for stuff like this.

Then tackle your 15yr old's behaviour, accidents happen his their attitude stinks and so id be looking to impose some form of punishment for that, whatever that may be.

mumsiedarlingrevolta · 27/12/2017 19:29

Maybe try a local repair?
we have a local "geek" (that's what he calls himself-not being geek-ist) who fixes everything very reasonably.
if it's not under warranty can you go on local fb page and look for repair recommendations?
And I'm sure DS will pass through this tricky teen phase and return to loveliness...

hidinginthenightgarden · 27/12/2017 19:29

Contact amazon and say it has a scratch and they will probably replace it for free. Not that that excuses your DS but it shouldn't cost you.

FrancisCrawford · 27/12/2017 19:30

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

purplecorkheart · 27/12/2017 19:31

Still contact Amazon. I damaged one I bought from Argos years ago. I emailed Amazon to see if they have an authorised repair place and they offered to repair/replace.

Branleuse · 27/12/2017 19:32

Amazon are really good about replacing kindles. After all, they want you to keep buying kindle books.

Original poster
Giftdilema · 27/12/2017 19:33

Excess would be more than the Kindle cost I think.
Would it start leaking pretty soon if it was going too.
Thank you I will check which model it is somehow and have a look. It's a smaller one without the back light.

OP posts:
bnotts · 27/12/2017 19:33

Amazon replaced mine when my husband sat on it.

Original poster
Giftdilema · 27/12/2017 19:37

Thanks will definitely contact Amazon.

OP posts:
Weedsnseeds1 · 27/12/2017 19:37

I have an old style kindle, it's been replaced twice by Amazon for free, once for damaged screen and once because it froze.
It was a gift and I didn't have a receipt, but the customer service was amazing.
Your child should be ashamed of themselves.

MikeUniformMike · 27/12/2017 19:48

Something not dissimilar happened to me staying at someone's house. Underneath a cushion on the arm of a sofa there was an electronic device and it fell on the floor as I sat. I hadn't touched it. Owner was very nice about it.

He is 15 and needs to be taught that all things should be treated with care and respect.

Not surprised you are gutted. It might not be expensive to get a scratch out, so it might be worth finding out. Otherwise, try asking around if anyone has a spare one.

I wouldn't be brave enough to use toothpaste as a fix.

LemonysSnicket · 27/12/2017 19:49

They need to pay for a repair or replacement.

MikeUniformMike · 27/12/2017 19:49

Please don't tell kids they should be ashamed of themselves. Of their behaviour perhaps but not of themselves.

tictoc76 · 27/12/2017 19:54

I broke my kindle on holiday - I actually accidentally put my foot on it while getting onto my sun lounger. Told amazon that I was disappointed it was so easily damaged and by the time I got home there was a replacement waiting for me!

NotTheFordType · 27/12/2017 19:58

@Branleuse
Amazon are really good about replacing kindles. After all, they want you to keep buying kindle books.

As I was reading the thread I thought "Bloody hell, why would they be so generous as to cover accidents?" (I don't have one) Your post has just reassured me that they are indeed interested in their bottom line and not just randomly being kind 😂