Lost toy....

[Mikethenight2good]

My son lost his toy today. He is a bit careless but is only 5. He is so upset but we can't find it. He lost it in the park....

I am trying to be strong and give lots of cuddles and comfort but also be life lesson kiddo, if you value something you don't lose it.

I can easily replace the toy but I am not sure that's the lesson I want him to learn. He keeps throwing things about and not taking care of some stuff.
He could potentially use some pocket money and "earn" the rest to replace it. Even his older sibling cried when he did that as his little brother was so sad.

Not sure really what I am asking....it's been a tough day and now I can't see the wood for the trees....I just see a sad little boy and I wonder if I am being too harsh or snowflake!

I think if it was a favourite toy, or comfort I would replace. But state that you have to be extra careful this time, as we can’t get another if it happens again.
If it’s just a toy, it might all be forgotten by the morning. Or if it was a regular thing I wouldn’t replace, to get him to learn some understanding.
By SDS once lost his favourite teddy (aged 4yo) and I replaced, as he slept with it, and took it everywhere. But if it was just a regular toy out of carelessness, I didn’t, unless it was through birthday money or he earned it.

Agree with pp - if it's a special cuddly then replace with a serious chat about taking good care of the things we love and many reminders when the new one is here to take good care of it. 5 is very young to have sole responsibility for a very special toy when out - as a parent I think you have some responsibility as well. If a new one is bought then perhaps have a no going out of the house rule or you need to make sure he keeps hold of it if you let him take it anywhere.

But if it's just a toy, and he was being careless with it then ignore all of above and it's life lesson territory.

Thanks. It's not a special toy. We have spares of the night comforter.
We have found a way he can earn back a replacement (reward jar type thing that he has). It's fixable. He is a little careless / clumsy and has broken his older sibling toys. Not purposely just carelessness. So we don't just want to replace it with it not teaching him the value of stuff.

I came home for a really shite day to LO sobbing his eyes out and the older one crying coz his brother was crying and my husband losing his mind. So was a bit what to do.

Now everything is calm we found a solution.

Thanks for replying.