My 4-year-old broke 4 TVs in one month... What should I do?

[LunaDream0]

Hi all,

I'm feeling a bit frustrated and overwhelmed at the moment, and I hope someone can offer some advice or support. My 4-year-old son has somehow managed to break four TVs in the last month! I’m not even sure how it’s happening, but each time I turn around, there’s a new screen crack or malfunction. It’s honestly starting to feel like we’re living in a nightmare!

I know kids can be rough on things, but I’ve never had this happen before, and it’s really making me question if I need to be doing something differently. Should I be more proactive in teaching him how to treat electronics? Or maybe I need to find a way to limit his access to the TV altogether?

Has anyone else dealt with something similar? How do you handle a situation like this without completely losing your mind?

Any tips or reassuring words would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

I hate TVs.

Seems like your 4 year old does too.

How do you even dispose of 4 broken TVs?

Wow, better buy a 5th TV and put it in the exact same spot. And definitely don't do anything about it he kid!

Or jst suck it up throw it away and get another one. Children are not hard to make.

@littlemissprosseco

how so?

@lateatwork

yeah I’m sure he’s breaking them cos he hates them…🤨

I don't think he is but how on earth does this even happen? How do you even arrange for 4 new TVs in a month?? It all seems a bit unrealistic - thus my comment.

Comments like this make me really sad. Would you actually, genuinely give a small child a consequence of no gifts for Christmas? I hate at this time of year I have to undo these BS ‘naughty list’ ideas that are pushed on to children. Yes my children would receive consequences for this - I agree with those saying no new tv for a good while. But using Christmas to punish kids - just wrong imo.

The OP said that she doesn't know how it's happening in the first paragraph.

https://tvsafenow.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA9bq6BhAKEiwAH6bqoGnawhBeQaexH9ZaSKUbezN-1t96ckHH4btnybSuKlM7FE0m3dxkqRoC218QAvD_BwE

@Lalgarh bizarre choice of link ....

1st thing that came up on Google sorry!

I'd be concerned about possible risks to your 4 year old - could he pull the TV over onto himself, for example?

How is he breaking them? You can get secure cabinets from tough furniture. They're expensive but well worth the money it that many are getting broken.

https://www.toughfurniture.com/product-category/tv-screen-protection/television-cabinets/

I would not buy a tv for a while and not allow screen time. I would explain the reasons why. If a child is breaking the tv, they should not be allowed to watch tv. I would say we will not buy another one until you are old enough to handle it responsibly. I do find it odd though! I have 3 dc ages 5-12 and two tvs and this has not happened. But when they were younger, for example if they were going to touch the tv I explained do not touch it. Did you try telling your little one not to touch the tv?

Either stop leaving him alone in the room with it or get a sturdy fireguard and create a barrier between him and the tv.

I'm surprised by some answers- you should be able to leave your 4 years old unsupervised in the living room. I leave my two years old unsupervised while she's playing sometimes (I keep looking into the room but she doesn't know I'm watching).

4 tvs are a ridiculous amount without knowing what is going on. I won't buy a new one.

Supervise him and you know...parent him by actually giving him a royal bollocking that may mean you have to raise your voice

Wall mount it

punish him for breaking things (assuming on purpose)

4 is old enough to learn that this is not acceptable

I've got two kids and have never heard of any of their classmates breaking a TV - that seems pretty extreme!

I look after my 5 grandchildren (aged between 1 and 9) at my house during school holidays, often all at the same, and can't imagine how ONE 4 year old has broken 4 TV's!! My grandchildren don't touch the TV ....I tend to put it on, choose the channel and the elder 2 might get to use the remote to pause it, speed through adverts etc. The under 7's don't even get to use the remote....they have toys to play with, not my electronics. Wake up and give your child some boundaries OP!

Limit his tv usage. I have three boys and they have never broken my tv. What is he doing to them!

Limit his tv usage? Seems he’s doing that all on his own 😆

That sounds incredibly frustrating and overwhelming—you're definitely not alone in feeling this way! Kids at that age are naturally curious and often don't fully grasp the consequences of their actions. Here are some steps you might consider:

1. Identify the Cause

• Observe when and how your son interacts with the TV. Is he throwing toys, climbing, or accidentally pressing too hard? Understanding the why can help you address the behaviour directly.

1. Set Clear Boundaries

• Talk to him about the TV and explain in simple terms why it’s important to treat it gently.
• Create consistent rules, like "No throwing things near the TV" or "We only touch the TV with clean hands."

1. Limit Access

• If possible, place the TV out of reach or in a room where he can’t go unsupervised.
• Invest in a sturdy wall mount or protective screen to minimize damage if he does get close.

1. Teach Consequences

• Use moments when the TV breaks as teaching opportunities. Explain how it affects the family (e.g., "Now we can’t watch your favourite show for a while").

1. Redirection & Engagement

• Offer alternative activities to keep him engaged. Sometimes breaking things is a sign of excess energy or curiosity, so hands-on toys, art supplies, or even supervised play with kid-friendly electronics might help.

1. Consider Durable Alternatives

• If replacing TVs, you might explore models with more robust screens or protective features designed for families with young children.

Finally, give yourself grace—it’s a tough stage, but it will pass. You’re doing your best, and that’s what matters most. Hang in there!

Why did you have 4 tv’s?

I think from the limited information offered it's "one" being replaced like the tv in the living room iyswim
So the child broke the TV & she replaced it three further times

Fighting fire with fire? Thanks, ChatGPT!