My toddler broke an item whilst in the care of my mother: who should pay?

[Voodoocowgirl]

I was recently on holidays with my mother, my three children, my partner and some other family members. We were having lunch at a café in a nursery that has a large area full of garden decorations and other items for sale.

My mother offered to take my 2 year old for a walk in the nursery so that I could eat my lunch in peace. She took him for about 20 minutes, we all finished eating, and then when we were all leaving my mother mentioned that my son had picked up a decorative drum while she had her back turned, took off with it and dropped it on the concrete, causing a scratch. She said the cashier asked her to pay for it, which she did. It was $200!!

I live in Australia, and the law is very clear that if you break something accidentally in a store, you are NOT legally obligated to purchase it. I was well out of sight and over 30 metres away when it occurred, and was unaware of what had happened. My mother is now very unhappy and wants me to pay for the drum. I have told her that I will pay for the drum (which is useless to me) just to keep the peace, but I'm annoyed about the situation.

WWYD?

What if she had turned her back for a minute and your child had walked off, disappeared, drowned, run into a road... Maybe a little dramatic but I would be questioning leaving her in sole charge of him. And yes she should pay, it's not like a child at that age has the capacity to understand.

Because it's a development issue and not bad behaviour from an older child, she should definitely pay. If it was the other, I'd say split it.

As said, he's in her care, toddlers break things. You don't turn your back on them when attractive stuff is about.

I'm a grandmother who regularly takes under 5's out and i would consider myself responsible.

She's your mother, and was doing you a favour, I think if you can afford it you should pay an absolute minimum of half. This whole, 'she should have been watching him properly' so you can get out of it is so miserly especially with regard to a close family member. Unless there's a big history of her trying to swindle you or sonething

I wouldn't stiff my own mother for the money, no.

I'm surprised at the amount of posters who would.

She has shown she cannot be left alone with him.

"Mum, the last time you took Bobby you didn't keep an eye on him. I can't trust you to keep him safe." Don't mention the money as it muddies the water.

Retailers have insurance and should not be charging full retail price for damage to items. She shouldn't have paid in the first place.

Not going to offer to look after my grandchildern with this experience.
You are most welcome to spend your£100 or £200 on childcare !!

That was some expensive childcare! $200 for 20 minutes! I’d certainly not use her again. For that price I’d eat lunch with a toddler on my lap.

If I was that grandparent I'd be horrified that I'd taken my eye off him, and would pay up. It wouldn't occur to me to ask my daughter (who wasn't in the vicinity) to pay for it.

For the sake of relations I think I would pay. Sounds like she might have panicked if she paid when she didn’t have to.

It isn't a useless item. Toddlers love drums and should have it to play with every time he is near your mother.

He was in the care of your mother. Your mother was supervising him so it was her responsibility not yours.

My friends, all grandmothers, and I would be mortified at not taking proper care and would never dream of making you pay.

Is that how she's comfortably off?!

Your child, your responsibility.

I think in UK you cannot be compelled to pay... Businesses should surely have insurance to cover...

Also something breakable surely should not be at a level where toddlers can pick up...

Even if you DID have to pay surely you would only pay the wholesale price so they are not out of pocket...

if you break something accidentally in a store, you are NOT legally obligated to purchase it

I wouldn't put this in the accident category. It sounds more negligent letting a toddler have free rein in a store allowing them to run around with expensive products and damaging them.

As your mum was in charge of your toddler I would say she is responsible for the cost, but in the end it will all come down to is it worth the hassle. If she cant supervise a toddler properly don't let her wander off with him again, not only could this cost a fortune, but next time it could something that could hurt him.

Was it Eden Gardens? Enquiring minds need to know! Not flower power, although searching for drum on there I found some lovely drum pots on special. #winning

Sorry but I think you should pay. Your child caused the damage.

I’d call her bluff, pay for it, then give it to her as her present on her next birthday.

If you're not legally obliged to pay for it the staff member is in the wrong. Take it back and get a refund.

I’d give her the money but I’d be a bit miffed that she ‘turned her back’ on a two year old that she was only watching for 20 minutes. I know you can’t keep eyes every second but come on, the kid managed to pick up and break a drum.

The retailer would only be out of pocket for the amount THEY paid for the drum, therefore only the wholesale value should be paid, if required.

You should pay. Your child, etc. She was doing you a kindness. You sound v. entitled. Have a chat and ask your mum to confer with you next time. Keep the drum as a 21st present...

I’d probably pay as my child broke it.

Please show us a picture of the drum!