DC’s friend broke something expensive - WWYD

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm on the fence. On the one hand, I would be tempted to go with Lesson Learned.
On the other, I think kid shouldn't get away with playing with it, though did he know he shouldn't.

If i could afford it I would either take what is offered or not have said anything.

I did ask. While this is awkward, I’m not unhappy I did that - I was gracious and I care about my husband. I really don’t see how this one is lesson learned, I guess because DH has been pretty clear that the force taken to create the damage done was purposeful, and the kids aren’t super little anymore, and the parent was present.

Did you tell them you expected reimbursement? You must do that otherwise you leave a grey area. If your husband believes it was done maliciously then demand payment. If they refuse, and you’re as rich as you say, sue them.

Yes. We discussed repair and replacement and that’s when she went to her husband who gave her the lower estimate. I’m not accusing anyone of malice and we’d obviously never sue, but I just wanted to get some feedback because I feel awkward. We’d tabled this over the holidays and DH told me the ultimate replacement cost today.

Sorry OP, I think you're way out of line. If your DH has valuable equipment, it should not be accessible to visitors, especially kid visitors. Never in a million years would I expect guests to pay for something like this.

I am in no way out of line - we all live in smallish apartments, not in DC - I used to live in DC. There is no practical way to make this equipment inaccessible based on the layout of our home. They’ve been over before when the kids were years and years younger. The equipment was under a cover. My friend was in the room, and I was getting stuff to eat for people. No matter what some will tell me, I didn’t do anything wrong here.

Yeah, OP. You need to make it really clear to your kids and to their friends that this is a very expensive and fragile piece of equipment and they are NEVER to touch it.

I will going forward but to be clear, they’ve been over often before, the equipment was always where it was, was always covered, we also made clear when they were younger not to touch, and DH said something was ripped apart - something not innately super-duper-don’t-breathe-by-it delicate. I did not think I’d have to give a renewed warning on a random day years later. This thread is so frustrating. We aren’t grasping nor unreasonable.

Okay then. Sounds like there is absolutely nothing else that you or anyone else could possibly do to make sure that this doesn’t happen again.
These people are horrible.
You should sue them for the cost and pass flyers around the neighborhood warning people of the danger of this child.

You’re peeved because you can’t find anything reasonable to critique, but hey. I asked about what to do re reimbursement, I didn’t name-call, or exaggerate about the kid FWIW.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm on the fence. On the one hand, I would be tempted to go with Lesson Learned.
On the other, I think kid shouldn't get away with playing with it, though did he know he shouldn't.

If i could afford it I would either take what is offered or not have said anything.

I did ask. While this is awkward, I’m not unhappy I did that - I was gracious and I care about my husband. I really don’t see how this one is lesson learned, I guess because DH has been pretty clear that the force taken to create the damage done was purposeful, and the kids aren’t super little anymore, and the parent was present.

Did you tell them you expected reimbursement? You must do that otherwise you leave a grey area. If your husband believes it was done maliciously then demand payment. If they refuse, and you’re as rich as you say, sue them.

Yes. We discussed repair and replacement and that’s when she went to her husband who gave her the lower estimate. I’m not accusing anyone of malice and we’d obviously never sue, but I just wanted to get some feedback because I feel awkward. We’d tabled this over the holidays and DH told me the ultimate replacement cost today.

Sorry OP, I think you're way out of line. If your DH has valuable equipment, it should not be accessible to visitors, especially kid visitors. Never in a million years would I expect guests to pay for something like this.

I am in no way out of line - we all live in smallish apartments, not in DC - I used to live in DC. There is no practical way to make this equipment inaccessible based on the layout of our home. They’ve been over before when the kids were years and years younger. The equipment was under a cover. My friend was in the room, and I was getting stuff to eat for people. No matter what some will tell me, I didn’t do anything wrong here.

Yeah, OP. You need to make it really clear to your kids and to their friends that this is a very expensive and fragile piece of equipment and they are NEVER to touch it.

I will going forward but to be clear, they’ve been over often before, the equipment was always where it was, was always covered, we also made clear when they were younger not to touch, and DH said something was ripped apart - something not innately super-duper-don’t-breathe-by-it delicate. I did not think I’d have to give a renewed warning on a random day years later. This thread is so frustrating. We aren’t grasping nor unreasonable.

So stop coming back or ask Jeff to take it down. He will, you know.

Great friends are worth more than any turntable and 10 is still young and curious. If a child doesn’t have a turntable at home or something as sophisticated as your DH has, they have no idea it’s a do not touch thing. A clear “Do NOT touch the stereo equipment .”, while specifically pointing at every item is what should have been done. So he wasn’t curious before- well, he was this time.
This will make things awkward with your friends.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm on the fence. On the one hand, I would be tempted to go with Lesson Learned.
On the other, I think kid shouldn't get away with playing with it, though did he know he shouldn't.

If i could afford it I would either take what is offered or not have said anything.

I did ask. While this is awkward, I’m not unhappy I did that - I was gracious and I care about my husband. I really don’t see how this one is lesson learned, I guess because DH has been pretty clear that the force taken to create the damage done was purposeful, and the kids aren’t super little anymore, and the parent was present.

Did you tell them you expected reimbursement? You must do that otherwise you leave a grey area. If your husband believes it was done maliciously then demand payment. If they refuse, and you’re as rich as you say, sue them.

Yes. We discussed repair and replacement and that’s when she went to her husband who gave her the lower estimate. I’m not accusing anyone of malice and we’d obviously never sue, but I just wanted to get some feedback because I feel awkward. We’d tabled this over the holidays and DH told me the ultimate replacement cost today.

Sorry OP, I think you're way out of line. If your DH has valuable equipment, it should not be accessible to visitors, especially kid visitors. Never in a million years would I expect guests to pay for something like this.

I am in no way out of line - we all live in smallish apartments, not in DC - I used to live in DC. There is no practical way to make this equipment inaccessible based on the layout of our home. They’ve been over before when the kids were years and years younger. The equipment was under a cover. My friend was in the room, and I was getting stuff to eat for people. No matter what some will tell me, I didn’t do anything wrong here.

Yeah, OP. You need to make it really clear to your kids and to their friends that this is a very expensive and fragile piece of equipment and they are NEVER to touch it.

I will going forward but to be clear, they’ve been over often before, the equipment was always where it was, was always covered, we also made clear when they were younger not to touch, and DH said something was ripped apart - something not innately super-duper-don’t-breathe-by-it delicate. I did not think I’d have to give a renewed warning on a random day years later. This thread is so frustrating. We aren’t grasping nor unreasonable.

So stop coming back or ask Jeff to take it down. He will, you know.

Great friends are worth more than any turntable and 10 is still young and curious. If a child doesn’t have a turntable at home or something as sophisticated as your DH has, they have no idea it’s a do not touch thing. A clear “Do NOT touch the stereo equipment .”, while specifically pointing at every item is what should have been done. So he wasn’t curious before- well, he was this time.
This will make things awkward with your friends.

I’m fine, and what’s the issue with my saying the thread is frustrating? Your advice about what should have been done is such a stretch when you’ve been around those same kids on the same terms when they were smaller and the parent is there. You’re reaching but you know that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm on the fence. On the one hand, I would be tempted to go with Lesson Learned.
On the other, I think kid shouldn't get away with playing with it, though did he know he shouldn't.

If i could afford it I would either take what is offered or not have said anything.

I did ask. While this is awkward, I’m not unhappy I did that - I was gracious and I care about my husband. I really don’t see how this one is lesson learned, I guess because DH has been pretty clear that the force taken to create the damage done was purposeful, and the kids aren’t super little anymore, and the parent was present.

Did you tell them you expected reimbursement? You must do that otherwise you leave a grey area. If your husband believes it was done maliciously then demand payment. If they refuse, and you’re as rich as you say, sue them.

Yes. We discussed repair and replacement and that’s when she went to her husband who gave her the lower estimate. I’m not accusing anyone of malice and we’d obviously never sue, but I just wanted to get some feedback because I feel awkward. We’d tabled this over the holidays and DH told me the ultimate replacement cost today.

Sorry OP, I think you're way out of line. If your DH has valuable equipment, it should not be accessible to visitors, especially kid visitors. Never in a million years would I expect guests to pay for something like this.

I am in no way out of line - we all live in smallish apartments, not in DC - I used to live in DC. There is no practical way to make this equipment inaccessible based on the layout of our home. They’ve been over before when the kids were years and years younger. The equipment was under a cover. My friend was in the room, and I was getting stuff to eat for people. No matter what some will tell me, I didn’t do anything wrong here.

Yeah, OP. You need to make it really clear to your kids and to their friends that this is a very expensive and fragile piece of equipment and they are NEVER to touch it.

I will going forward but to be clear, they’ve been over often before, the equipment was always where it was, was always covered, we also made clear when they were younger not to touch, and DH said something was ripped apart - something not innately super-duper-don’t-breathe-by-it delicate. I did not think I’d have to give a renewed warning on a random day years later. This thread is so frustrating. We aren’t grasping nor unreasonable.

Why does the damage that the kid did seem to get worse with each post? It went from damage to malicious to ripped apart.

I don’t think you should request anything. Since you feel you must, replacement is ridiculous. Current value or repair is the only thing that makes sense. That’s what insurance would give.

Also - you said you were a parent. Do you really think you don’t have to give repeated warnings for important things?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm on the fence. On the one hand, I would be tempted to go with Lesson Learned.
On the other, I think kid shouldn't get away with playing with it, though did he know he shouldn't.

If i could afford it I would either take what is offered or not have said anything.

I did ask. While this is awkward, I’m not unhappy I did that - I was gracious and I care about my husband. I really don’t see how this one is lesson learned, I guess because DH has been pretty clear that the force taken to create the damage done was purposeful, and the kids aren’t super little anymore, and the parent was present.

Did you tell them you expected reimbursement? You must do that otherwise you leave a grey area. If your husband believes it was done maliciously then demand payment. If they refuse, and you’re as rich as you say, sue them.

Yes. We discussed repair and replacement and that’s when she went to her husband who gave her the lower estimate. I’m not accusing anyone of malice and we’d obviously never sue, but I just wanted to get some feedback because I feel awkward. We’d tabled this over the holidays and DH told me the ultimate replacement cost today.

Sorry OP, I think you're way out of line. If your DH has valuable equipment, it should not be accessible to visitors, especially kid visitors. Never in a million years would I expect guests to pay for something like this.

I am in no way out of line - we all live in smallish apartments, not in DC - I used to live in DC. There is no practical way to make this equipment inaccessible based on the layout of our home. They’ve been over before when the kids were years and years younger. The equipment was under a cover. My friend was in the room, and I was getting stuff to eat for people. No matter what some will tell me, I didn’t do anything wrong here.

Yeah, OP. You need to make it really clear to your kids and to their friends that this is a very expensive and fragile piece of equipment and they are NEVER to touch it.

I will going forward but to be clear, they’ve been over often before, the equipment was always where it was, was always covered, we also made clear when they were younger not to touch, and DH said something was ripped apart - something not innately super-duper-don’t-breathe-by-it delicate. I did not think I’d have to give a renewed warning on a random day years later. This thread is so frustrating. We aren’t grasping nor unreasonable.

Why does the damage that the kid did seem to get worse with each post? It went from damage to malicious to ripped apart.

I don’t think you should request anything. Since you feel you must, replacement is ridiculous. Current value or repair is the only thing that makes sense. That’s what insurance would give.

Also - you said you were a parent. Do you really think you don’t have to give repeated warnings for important things?

Where did I say malicious? It was intentional, as it was closed so the closed cover was lifted, as opposed to accidentally bumping into it or something.

The equipment was literally ripped - that was the damage. It’s not an escalation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm on the fence. On the one hand, I would be tempted to go with Lesson Learned.
On the other, I think kid shouldn't get away with playing with it, though did he know he shouldn't.

If i could afford it I would either take what is offered or not have said anything.

I did ask. While this is awkward, I’m not unhappy I did that - I was gracious and I care about my husband. I really don’t see how this one is lesson learned, I guess because DH has been pretty clear that the force taken to create the damage done was purposeful, and the kids aren’t super little anymore, and the parent was present.

Did you tell them you expected reimbursement? You must do that otherwise you leave a grey area. If your husband believes it was done maliciously then demand payment. If they refuse, and you’re as rich as you say, sue them.

Yes. We discussed repair and replacement and that’s when she went to her husband who gave her the lower estimate. I’m not accusing anyone of malice and we’d obviously never sue, but I just wanted to get some feedback because I feel awkward. We’d tabled this over the holidays and DH told me the ultimate replacement cost today.

Sorry OP, I think you're way out of line. If your DH has valuable equipment, it should not be accessible to visitors, especially kid visitors. Never in a million years would I expect guests to pay for something like this.

I am in no way out of line - we all live in smallish apartments, not in DC - I used to live in DC. There is no practical way to make this equipment inaccessible based on the layout of our home. They’ve been over before when the kids were years and years younger. The equipment was under a cover. My friend was in the room, and I was getting stuff to eat for people. No matter what some will tell me, I didn’t do anything wrong here.

Yeah, OP. You need to make it really clear to your kids and to their friends that this is a very expensive and fragile piece of equipment and they are NEVER to touch it.

I will going forward but to be clear, they’ve been over often before, the equipment was always where it was, was always covered, we also made clear when they were younger not to touch, and DH said something was ripped apart - something not innately super-duper-don’t-breathe-by-it delicate. I did not think I’d have to give a renewed warning on a random day years later. This thread is so frustrating. We aren’t grasping nor unreasonable.

So stop coming back or ask Jeff to take it down. He will, you know.

Great friends are worth more than any turntable and 10 is still young and curious. If a child doesn’t have a turntable at home or something as sophisticated as your DH has, they have no idea it’s a do not touch thing. A clear “Do NOT touch the stereo equipment .”, while specifically pointing at every item is what should have been done. So he wasn’t curious before- well, he was this time.
This will make things awkward with your friends.

DP. His parents should have told him never to touch anything in the house without permission.

I'll bet this kid has a track record of breaking stuff, so the parents have the gaslighting routine ready.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm on the fence. On the one hand, I would be tempted to go with Lesson Learned.
On the other, I think kid shouldn't get away with playing with it, though did he know he shouldn't.

If i could afford it I would either take what is offered or not have said anything.

I did ask. While this is awkward, I’m not unhappy I did that - I was gracious and I care about my husband. I really don’t see how this one is lesson learned, I guess because DH has been pretty clear that the force taken to create the damage done was purposeful, and the kids aren’t super little anymore, and the parent was present.

Did you tell them you expected reimbursement? You must do that otherwise you leave a grey area. If your husband believes it was done maliciously then demand payment. If they refuse, and you’re as rich as you say, sue them.

Yes. We discussed repair and replacement and that’s when she went to her husband who gave her the lower estimate. I’m not accusing anyone of malice and we’d obviously never sue, but I just wanted to get some feedback because I feel awkward. We’d tabled this over the holidays and DH told me the ultimate replacement cost today.

Sorry OP, I think you're way out of line. If your DH has valuable equipment, it should not be accessible to visitors, especially kid visitors. Never in a million years would I expect guests to pay for something like this.

I am in no way out of line - we all live in smallish apartments, not in DC - I used to live in DC. There is no practical way to make this equipment inaccessible based on the layout of our home. They’ve been over before when the kids were years and years younger. The equipment was under a cover. My friend was in the room, and I was getting stuff to eat for people. No matter what some will tell me, I didn’t do anything wrong here.

Yeah, OP. You need to make it really clear to your kids and to their friends that this is a very expensive and fragile piece of equipment and they are NEVER to touch it.

I will going forward but to be clear, they’ve been over often before, the equipment was always where it was, was always covered, we also made clear when they were younger not to touch, and DH said something was ripped apart - something not innately super-duper-don’t-breathe-by-it delicate. I did not think I’d have to give a renewed warning on a random day years later. This thread is so frustrating. We aren’t grasping nor unreasonable.

That’s DCUM, hon. People tell it like it is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm on the fence. On the one hand, I would be tempted to go with Lesson Learned.
On the other, I think kid shouldn't get away with playing with it, though did he know he shouldn't.

If i could afford it I would either take what is offered or not have said anything.

I did ask. While this is awkward, I’m not unhappy I did that - I was gracious and I care about my husband. I really don’t see how this one is lesson learned, I guess because DH has been pretty clear that the force taken to create the damage done was purposeful, and the kids aren’t super little anymore, and the parent was present.

Did you tell them you expected reimbursement? You must do that otherwise you leave a grey area. If your husband believes it was done maliciously then demand payment. If they refuse, and you’re as rich as you say, sue them.

Yes. We discussed repair and replacement and that’s when she went to her husband who gave her the lower estimate. I’m not accusing anyone of malice and we’d obviously never sue, but I just wanted to get some feedback because I feel awkward. We’d tabled this over the holidays and DH told me the ultimate replacement cost today.

Sorry OP, I think you're way out of line. If your DH has valuable equipment, it should not be accessible to visitors, especially kid visitors. Never in a million years would I expect guests to pay for something like this.

I am in no way out of line - we all live in smallish apartments, not in DC - I used to live in DC. There is no practical way to make this equipment inaccessible based on the layout of our home. They’ve been over before when the kids were years and years younger. The equipment was under a cover. My friend was in the room, and I was getting stuff to eat for people. No matter what some will tell me, I didn’t do anything wrong here.

Yeah, OP. You need to make it really clear to your kids and to their friends that this is a very expensive and fragile piece of equipment and they are NEVER to touch it.

I will going forward but to be clear, they’ve been over often before, the equipment was always where it was, was always covered, we also made clear when they were younger not to touch, and DH said something was ripped apart - something not innately super-duper-don’t-breathe-by-it delicate. I did not think I’d have to give a renewed warning on a random day years later. This thread is so frustrating. We aren’t grasping nor unreasonable.

That’s DCUM, hon. People tell it like it is.

Well, not as it is, but as they insist it had to be based on nothing.

[Anonymous]

If they’re good friends I would just eat it. But it’s up to you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm on the fence. On the one hand, I would be tempted to go with Lesson Learned.
On the other, I think kid shouldn't get away with playing with it, though did he know he shouldn't.

If i could afford it I would either take what is offered or not have said anything.

I did ask. While this is awkward, I’m not unhappy I did that - I was gracious and I care about my husband. I really don’t see how this one is lesson learned, I guess because DH has been pretty clear that the force taken to create the damage done was purposeful, and the kids aren’t super little anymore, and the parent was present.

Did you tell them you expected reimbursement? You must do that otherwise you leave a grey area. If your husband believes it was done maliciously then demand payment. If they refuse, and you’re as rich as you say, sue them.

Yes. We discussed repair and replacement and that’s when she went to her husband who gave her the lower estimate. I’m not accusing anyone of malice and we’d obviously never sue, but I just wanted to get some feedback because I feel awkward. We’d tabled this over the holidays and DH told me the ultimate replacement cost today.

Sorry OP, I think you're way out of line. If your DH has valuable equipment, it should not be accessible to visitors, especially kid visitors. Never in a million years would I expect guests to pay for something like this.

I am in no way out of line - we all live in smallish apartments, not in DC - I used to live in DC. There is no practical way to make this equipment inaccessible based on the layout of our home. They’ve been over before when the kids were years and years younger. The equipment was under a cover. My friend was in the room, and I was getting stuff to eat for people. No matter what some will tell me, I didn’t do anything wrong here.

Yeah, OP. You need to make it really clear to your kids and to their friends that this is a very expensive and fragile piece of equipment and they are NEVER to touch it.

I will going forward but to be clear, they’ve been over often before, the equipment was always where it was, was always covered, we also made clear when they were younger not to touch, and DH said something was ripped apart - something not innately super-duper-don’t-breathe-by-it delicate. I did not think I’d have to give a renewed warning on a random day years later. This thread is so frustrating. We aren’t grasping nor unreasonable.

Okay then. Sounds like there is absolutely nothing else that you or anyone else could possibly do to make sure that this doesn’t happen again.
These people are horrible.
You should sue them for the cost and pass flyers around the neighborhood warning people of the danger of this child.

You’re peeved because you can’t find anything reasonable to critique, but hey. I asked about what to do re reimbursement, I didn’t name-call, or exaggerate about the kid FWIW.

I’m not peeved. It’s not my situation. I don’t care. I know that it never happened to me, even with a Catholic family and playgroup of 17 kids. Because everyone knows the rules.

You told this family about it. They offered you what they are going to offer you. I don’t know what else you think is going to happen.

If it’s that big of a deal, take them to court. Don’t have them over again.

If it’s not that big of a deal, let it go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm on the fence. On the one hand, I would be tempted to go with Lesson Learned.
On the other, I think kid shouldn't get away with playing with it, though did he know he shouldn't.

If i could afford it I would either take what is offered or not have said anything.

I did ask. While this is awkward, I’m not unhappy I did that - I was gracious and I care about my husband. I really don’t see how this one is lesson learned, I guess because DH has been pretty clear that the force taken to create the damage done was purposeful, and the kids aren’t super little anymore, and the parent was present.

Did you tell them you expected reimbursement? You must do that otherwise you leave a grey area. If your husband believes it was done maliciously then demand payment. If they refuse, and you’re as rich as you say, sue them.

Yes. We discussed repair and replacement and that’s when she went to her husband who gave her the lower estimate. I’m not accusing anyone of malice and we’d obviously never sue, but I just wanted to get some feedback because I feel awkward. We’d tabled this over the holidays and DH told me the ultimate replacement cost today.

Sorry OP, I think you're way out of line. If your DH has valuable equipment, it should not be accessible to visitors, especially kid visitors. Never in a million years would I expect guests to pay for something like this.

I am in no way out of line - we all live in smallish apartments, not in DC - I used to live in DC. There is no practical way to make this equipment inaccessible based on the layout of our home. They’ve been over before when the kids were years and years younger. The equipment was under a cover. My friend was in the room, and I was getting stuff to eat for people. No matter what some will tell me, I didn’t do anything wrong here.

Yeah, OP. You need to make it really clear to your kids and to their friends that this is a very expensive and fragile piece of equipment and they are NEVER to touch it.

I will going forward but to be clear, they’ve been over often before, the equipment was always where it was, was always covered, we also made clear when they were younger not to touch, and DH said something was ripped apart - something not innately super-duper-don’t-breathe-by-it delicate. I did not think I’d have to give a renewed warning on a random day years later. This thread is so frustrating. We aren’t grasping nor unreasonable.

That’s DCUM, hon. People tell it like it is.

Well, not as it is, but as they insist it had to be based on nothing.

That’s right. Just keep digging your self deeper and deeper. Lol!

[Anonymous]

If it’s a smallish apartment, how was the kid able to maliciously destroy it without anyone seeing or noticing?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm on the fence. On the one hand, I would be tempted to go with Lesson Learned.
On the other, I think kid shouldn't get away with playing with it, though did he know he shouldn't.

If i could afford it I would either take what is offered or not have said anything.

I did ask. While this is awkward, I’m not unhappy I did that - I was gracious and I care about my husband. I really don’t see how this one is lesson learned, I guess because DH has been pretty clear that the force taken to create the damage done was purposeful, and the kids aren’t super little anymore, and the parent was present.

Did you tell them you expected reimbursement? You must do that otherwise you leave a grey area. If your husband believes it was done maliciously then demand payment. If they refuse, and you’re as rich as you say, sue them.

Yes. We discussed repair and replacement and that’s when she went to her husband who gave her the lower estimate. I’m not accusing anyone of malice and we’d obviously never sue, but I just wanted to get some feedback because I feel awkward. We’d tabled this over the holidays and DH told me the ultimate replacement cost today.

Sorry OP, I think you're way out of line. If your DH has valuable equipment, it should not be accessible to visitors, especially kid visitors. Never in a million years would I expect guests to pay for something like this.

I am in no way out of line - we all live in smallish apartments, not in DC - I used to live in DC. There is no practical way to make this equipment inaccessible based on the layout of our home. They’ve been over before when the kids were years and years younger. The equipment was under a cover. My friend was in the room, and I was getting stuff to eat for people. No matter what some will tell me, I didn’t do anything wrong here.

Yeah, OP. You need to make it really clear to your kids and to their friends that this is a very expensive and fragile piece of equipment and they are NEVER to touch it.

I will going forward but to be clear, they’ve been over often before, the equipment was always where it was, was always covered, we also made clear when they were younger not to touch, and DH said something was ripped apart - something not innately super-duper-don’t-breathe-by-it delicate. I did not think I’d have to give a renewed warning on a random day years later. This thread is so frustrating. We aren’t grasping nor unreasonable.

So stop coming back or ask Jeff to take it down. He will, you know.

Great friends are worth more than any turntable and 10 is still young and curious. If a child doesn’t have a turntable at home or something as sophisticated as your DH has, they have no idea it’s a do not touch thing. A clear “Do NOT touch the stereo equipment .”, while specifically pointing at every item is what should have been done. So he wasn’t curious before- well, he was this time.
This will make things awkward with your friends.

I’m fine, and what’s the issue with my saying the thread is frustrating? Your advice about what should have been done is such a stretch when you’ve been around those same kids on the same terms when they were smaller and the parent is there. You’re reaching but you know that.

It’s really not a reach. It would have taken you ten seconds and saved you thousands of dollars.
Why wouldn’t you do this? What’s the benefit of neglecting to tell kids the rules?

[Anonymous]

I think having more context matters. Since you are no longer in DC, I don’t see the harm in revealing the object.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If it’s a smallish apartment, how was the kid able to maliciously destroy it without anyone seeing or noticing?

The child deliberately messed with the equipment, which was under a closed cover, and the mom was there. I don’t know what else I’m supposed to prove. I did not write maliciously, and I don’t think anyone else did either. I was getting stuff from the kitchen.