Should my DC pay for damage?

[Notjustabrunette]

My 7 year old throw my iPad in anger after an argument with his sister (9). As a result, the screen has broken. It happened the other day, but I have only just noticed it, and he had confessed. I’ve given both kids a talking to about respecting other people’s property and anger management techniques. I’m going to look into getting the screen repaired tomorrow. Part of me is thinking that my DC should contribute to the cost of the repair as a lesson in consequences. I don’t know at this stage how much it would cost to repair, and I wouldn’t make him pay for the total cost but was thinking that a £20 contribution out of his birthday money might make him think a bit more about looking after things and that they don’t magically get fixed after he’s broken something. Or am I being ridiculous? Kids are both pretty unset about the current lack of iPad, and he did fess up and apologize.

I wouldn't.

I wouldn't take birthday money but if they have pocket money I would reduce that by an amount for a couple of weeks so they can feel a cost implication. If they don't have pocket money maybe get them to do some extra chores - wash the cars or similar.

I would probably get them involved in the repair. Take them to the shop or post office if sending it off for repair.

I think the consequences need to be proportional and not overly labourer. If you decide to reduce pocket money as a consequence don't then bring it up if there are other requests for nice things that you would normally accept.

I also wouldn't take birthday money (but don't think it an awful suggestion) but would be more inclined for him not to have iPad access for a period of time. That seems like a more direct consequence and probably one that will mean more to him at that age.

I’d find out more about the argument. Did your DD provoke him? Maybe she should contribute too.
I used to lash out when my sister mocked my appearance (rabbit teeth) as I didn’t have a better way of responding

I agree with @Superscientist. If he gets pocket money they I would reduce it by a set amount each week/month to contribute to the cost.

I’d explain that I appreciated him being honest and that it was an accident but that he needs to learn other ways to ease his frustration in a situation like that in future. I’d also get him involved in the repair and explain the full cost and what his contribution will be and how long it’ll take him to pay back through pocket money.

I wouldn’t then cast it up at any other time, that’s the repercussions and it’s being dealt with.

I think some good points have been made and I'd honestly use most of them, give him the option of either handing over £20 of his money as a contribution to getting it fixed OR he can do jobs for you around the help til he "pays off" his contribution. And say fixing the screen will cost xyz but because he owned up to it straight away and that was the right thing to do you're only asking him for a portion of the cost. Although at 7 maybe he is just a bit too young to reason with like this. But I'd probably give it a go tbh. Throwing other peoples property and breaking it in frustration isn't ok at any age and at 7 he does know better, that shows because he did own up and said sorry. That's better behaviour than some 10/11/12 year olds I know

Yes.

He will not learn from it otherwise.

It could be a life lesson he may never repeat.