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Get DC to pay for personal damages?

3 replies

user68634 · 30/11/2020 10:54

Dd13 has a Nintendo Switch that stopped charging a few months ago. I booked it in for repair because I've bought her a new game for Christmas (she hasn't asked for this game tbf or pestered for me to get the Switch fixed but she does use it a lot when it works and I didn't want it gathering dust after how much I paid for it in the first place). I was really shocked that the repair job was going to cost £80, but decided to go ahead anyway.

Just had an email from the repair shop to say the Switch had been water or food damaged and needed a new chip, so the total bill is now £140 Shock. I really didn't expect this bill so close to Christmas and I'm kicking myself for booking it in now.

DD has ADHD, so can't help being careless in some respects (doesn't mean I'm passive about it though). I did a lot of research into extremely tough military grade, water resistant, drop proof laptops for her birthday this year because I know how careless she is, yet she managed to damage the screen within a couple of months. I'd paid extra for warranty, but apparently that particular break is not covered because it can't be done by accident and must have been done by bending the screen back forcefully and applying a lot of pressure. Her laptop is still useable with the damage so I've just left it as it is but I'm really cross about that.

I know the standard response is 'make them pay for it' but she doesn't have any savings and doesn't get pocket money (doesn't ask for any, very occasionally goes out for lunch with friends and I give her money then).

So I'm thinking I should withhold the repaired switch until she's made some effort to earn it back. Any ideas? What would you do in this situation? How much would you pay for chores?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
user68634 · 30/11/2020 10:58

Sorry the bill has gone up to £120 not £140.

OP posts:
WitchFindersAreEverywhere · 30/11/2020 11:07

For me, the ADHD is the clincher. How old is DD? Did you set clear rules about food and drink when she games? Does she get carried away and lose control somewhat when she’s excited or frustrated, leading to excess force being applied to her beloved switch?
To me, this seems linked to her disability, so I’d go down the explaining/warning route. If she breaks it, you can’t afford to repair it again, so she will be without.
No, I wouldn’t make her pay. Can you afford to repair it?
Or tell her that she’ll have to wait until you can footthe Bill.

WitchFindersAreEverywhere · 30/11/2020 11:07

Sorry, I missed that she’s 13.

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