The tale of the hideous fireplace and the Wii remote...

[SoupDragon]

DSs got a Wii for their birthdays 2 weeks ago. Inevitably, DS2 (6) let go of the remote and hurled it at the truly hideous plaster fire surround in the playroom. I've just discovered (to my joy) that he's managed to take a chunk out of it.

It has fake pillars, a "decorative" moulding in the shape of an urn and decorative swags and bows. Until recently it was also painted in an attractive nicotine wood-grain paint effect.

Do you think I can, at last, claim for a new one on my house insurance?? I've been tempted for the last 5 years to "accidentally" whack it with a hammer in the name of botched DIY but have been too much of a chicken...

Sounds so lovely that I'd be keen to get it repaired...

can i have it? would fit nicely around the mock coal and flame electric fire we inherited in our new house

I have to say, that's my fear - the insurance co may say it can be repaired !! It looks better now it's painted cream to blend into the walls... it doesn't leap dowen our throat screaming "LOOK AT MEEEEE! Aren't I HIDEOUS??!!"

can you not damage it a little further? just to make sure

I dont think it can be removed in one piece I@m afraid, AllieB...

Oh in our last house we had a superb 1970's gas fire which had red lighbulbs in the back for "ambient lighting"

How's the remote??

ambient, my arse. i would throw some more objects at it

Luckily the remote is fine

I must say, I thought the "Wii have a problem" tales were exaggerated until I noticed the fireplace.

i have small red bulbs inside it

Run a competition amongst your friends inviting the most inventive ways of destroying the monstrosity (for insurance purposes only). The winner gets to do the dirty deed at a party held especially for the auspicious occasion.

Morally questionable but immense fun

The worst thing i've done in my whole life is smack dd2 in the mouth with the wii remote while having a very competitive game of tennis with my brother. She ran towards me as i took a big swing, and she hit the floor. It was awful. I banned wii. I've never ever felt like such a terrible mother and i still dwell on it constantly - her tooth went grey! (sob) It's looking better now, but i still have terrible guilt.

Blimey! At least our casualty is only the hideous fireplace. BabyDragon's come close though, it has to be said.

I've been very careful to hide my delight from DS2, naurally.

lmao

DH has been hit by ours... but not by accident

soupdragon ,sod the fireplace where did you get the Wii . )seriously)

We had a casualty of the Wii on Monday. DS1's friend was playing baseball and managed to hit one of DS2's friends on the eyebrow. Cue lots of blood, but eventually managed to see that it was a sort of Y shaped cut. Child seemed fine. Found out yesterday that his mum had taken him to A&E and he's got concussion!

Wii users be warned.