I would pay for it the first time, but I would make it known if they chose to continue letting them use something that they could break, that was on them. I also wouldn’t feel comfortable letting them spend the night again. Doesn’t sound like they are watching them very well.
Umm. Yes. At least half. How would you feel if the situation was reversed? Also, the entitlement here is rubbing me the wrong way. Regardless of if you asked for your child to stay overnight or not, your child was a guest. They still fed your child and cared for your child. You’re not doing this family a favor by dropping him/her off. If your laptop was broken by a visiting friend of your child, wouldn’t you want some compensation so you could replace it? That’s just the right thing to do.
Yes I would have to say!
If my Child damaged something I would be held responsible also.
I guess my question is how do you know it wasn’t broken already or that your child did it? I’ve had my child blamed for things she didn’t do, but because she was afraid to make the other child mad she lied, only to tell me later it really wasn’t her it was her friend but she didn’t want her friend to be angry with her. Once confronted the child did own up to it. If your child admits they did it, when you’re away from that family and you’re calm, then I’d pay for it.
How old is your child? If you invited a child over to swim in your pool and that child drown, the responsibility falls onto you. If your child is a toddler and no one was watching them then that’s a different story. But if your child is old enough to know the difference between right and wrong, then yes, it’s your responsibility to make it right. But I would definitely find out all the facts before I just handed over a lot of money. If it’s an older computer then you don’t have to buy them a brand new one. Have an adult conversation with the parents and talk with your child about what happened
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You are responsible but depending on the child’s age … a valuable lesson in life… they should help pay… small chores, etc. to make them aware of the consequences of their actions!
Although Iam a mother who does not allow my children to have sleepovers…If I were in that type of situation I would pay what I could to help the other parents replace what they said my child broke…And then I would never no matter what allow my child to stay the night over at their home again.The parents asked if your child could stay the night…and then the children were left unsupervised…and something got broke…not cool in my book …and It shouldn’t be in yours either.
So maybe it’s been asked but as a parent I need all the details. You said your child broke the computer…how? What is the damage? What happen? People know Call me immediately. I know my kids break shyt, so I will be ready to hand off cash easily (my kids are little and busy). For this reason tho my kids only stay with people who know their temperament and won’t ask me to repurchase anything. I just do it cause we’re family and it’s right.
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That’s a tough one…I’ve had it happen that another child damaged my computer but I felt that since I was the adult in charge it was on me…I do also agree though the child should owe some responsibility depending on age…(the one at my house was 3)
Here’s the thing, would it be your responsibility if your child injured themself as a guest at somebody else’s home? No, it would be THEIR responsibility because they weren’t supervising. Kids can act completely different when not with parents, no matter how well you raise them or teach them to respect people’s property. I feel like you should at least offer to pay for part of the damage, but ultimately, that’s on them. Sorry if this is an unpopular opinion, but whatever.
I think you should pay half. Parents cant put up every single item that’s worth any amount of value when kids come over to play. Yes they should have been keeping a close eye on the kids, but your child should already know to be careful. (Pay attention, look dont touch etc) It’s no different than taking them into an expensive store. The right thing to do is offer to pay half and they should be responsible for the other half since they failed to supervise closely
Yes of course. We are responsible for our kids behaviour. Even if it was an accident.
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I would need questions answered first. How old is her child? How did it get broke? She said it was an accident. Did child fall into the computer or dump a drink on it? Was it a laptop that wasn’t put away or a regular computer? But if I invited a child to spend the night at my place unless they picked it up and threw it or pushed it of the desk. My responsibility. And also age plays a factor
Okay I guess I have to pipe in here, my son was at my friend’s house mind you he was 4 years old, she had Hummels all over the place. I told Tyler do not touch them and he respected that, he was goofing with her dog and the humble broke, I offered as a parent to replace the Hummel since my child was a part of her dog goofing around. I found the same exact Hummel in a pawn shop for $30 that was not good enough for Lisa, she wanted a brand new Hummel that cost $525 I said well I’ll buy the Hummel where is it? and she said you can just give me the cash. Really? I went back to look at the Hummel that she had fixed (from Tyler) and not only was it broken from my son but it was broken previously from that… so I guess my point is how do you know the computer was really not broken to begin with? How do you know her child was not involved with the other child? yes it is the parents responsibility but it’s also the parents responsibility to keep an eye on the child when you have a child spending the night at your house.
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Absolutely you are responsible for your child’s behavior in someone else’s home! How could you even ask this? It should be common sense and common courtesy.
Do the decent thing and replace their computer or don’t allow your child sleepovers if they can’t respect other people’s belongings or you can’t be responsible for your own child’s actions (which you are the example for)
Accidents happen, but I would say that you are responsible for it. You are “invited” into a school, and if a student were to break a computer that is the responsibility of the parent to pay for the damages. (unless they took out insurance)
Yes absolutely. If my child was to break something while invited over to another child’s house I would definitely offer to replace it that’s totally disrespectful if you think that your child is not responsible for the damage your child does in someone else’s home
I would definitely feel obligated to offer, but would be crossing my fingers they said not to worry about it. I’ve had the opposite where a friend of my sons broke things at my house (outdoor Christmas decorations and another time a window - same kid) I was disappointed the mom didn’t offer to make amends. But I couldn’t bring myself to ask, either…
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I would replace it. I had a child over my house. I had no idea this child would climb onto my bathroom sink and break it. I didn’t invite her to destroy my property. I felt it was the parent’s responsibility, because she knew her child did things like this and did not tell me.
If my child broke I would pay for it and he would work it off for me
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Depends on how it was broken. If he was playing on the computer correctly and something happened I would think that an offer of some money to help replace would be appreciated. However if they were goofing off, as a parent I would expect someone to offer to replace completely.
YES! It is YOUR freaking child! You are responsible for them period. If you make them take you to court you will lose. You are being cheap just trying to get out of YOUR responsibilities.
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My thought is i would offer to replace whatever my child broke accidentally. If they say no, then fine. But if they say they want me to, then yes, replace the item with the same or equal value. Accidents happen, it’s not worth you getting into it with the parents of your sons friend. Our children are our responsibility. If it was reversed, I’d expect the same from them.
“Your child broke something” are the key words. You are responsible for your child and what they do. Trying to say it’s someone else’s fault because they invited your child is really bad manners and a horrible attitude. Pay for it. Apologize for YOUR CHILDS BEHAVIOR and be done with it. Then make your child earn the mo way back by doing chores!
Your child is playing in the park and broke a window on a home near by… do you run? Ring the door bell an apologize? Offer to pay to fix it? Same instance, accidents happen hold your child accountable! This is what is wrong with society today… the kids have absolutely no idea of cause and effect. Actions without consequences.
Yes! While they should’ve been watching the kids and it was an accident I would offer to pay for at least half of it. If it was my kid and their kid then we pay for half and they pay for half.
You should always shoot for the best solution. Your son broke something of value, replace it. Then have him earn back some of the cost doing jobs around the house. Let him know he was responsible and needs to correct his mistake If not, toy will make excuses for him the rest if your life.
I would offer to pay a percentage of it but have my child work it off at home. My child earns an allowance so I would have her use her allowance to pay for the damages.
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Yes without question
I just had to do this too
My son broke 30$ picture took me 60$ to replace it not fun but being an adult never is!
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No that fully,. I mean come on its a child. If you have something in your home you think is that important. It should not be out and around in case of accidents.
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Yes it’s your responsibility to replace it. Teach your child that they fix what they break whether it be an accident or not. It’s teaching them to be responsible and teaches them accountability. It’s important to learn and kids are smart they can understand. I wouldn’t punish my child for an accident but I would tell them we fix our mistakes. We have 6 kids and three are grown. They aren’t perfect but they are close 
For the future just avoid sleep overs at other people’s houses or even play dates. That way you always have control of the situations that may happen.
I wish you the best of luck though.
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I’d want to know what happened. I put my own laptop up around my own kids bc I need it and know that accidents happen so why would a computer be out with a child that is NOT yours?! If it was a playdate and I was there I would think to pay for the broken item but at a sleep over where I wasn’t even present? IDK if I’d feel as obligated. If that is the case then I’d never want to do sleepovers “just in case” bc my 2 middle kids are crazy boys and I’d be in debt up to my ears.
If the roles were reversed, what would your thoughts be? If someone else broke your computer, do you think it’s fair to eat the cost yourself? Also depends on if you value the relationship with the parents because if you refuse to pay, you may lose the friendship. Personally I think you should pay for the replacement and have a serious discussion with your son on responsibility
I cant even believe you’d have to ask this question. Of course you should replace the item YOUR child broke…and not only that, it is your responsibility to make this a learning/teaching lesson to show your kid the appropriate way to handle a situation such as this.
If you offer to pay( which you should) and they decline then offer to pay half then. Your saving the relationship, teaching your child to be responsible by working off the debt and setting a good example of taking ownership of ones accidents and mistakes.
So if your child clogged a toilet would you be responsible for a plumber?? As a parent you know stuff happens if it was an accident then it is what it is but if said kid broke something of value on purpose than yes you now need to fix it but every situation is different so be gentle also age is a huge factor too also where were the adults ???
No you are not legally responsible but I would be a decent human being and offer to split the costs. But they were responsible because the child was in there care. They should’ve watched them better. If you was there then you would be responsible for damages. But for the sake of argument, like I said pay half.
Definitely situational. It is completely dependent on the incident and the causes of it. I think regardless I would at least split the cost if my child was involved
That’s a good question I however would only offer to pay half but u really don’t know whom did the damages to begin with …or what shape/condition it was in before broken
Also teach ur child next time around to just not touch anything valuable
An adult should have been watching the child, and making sure valuables were put away. You weren’t there, so you didn’t have an option of intervening to prevent it from happening. This is unfortunately one of the risks of having other peoples kids around unsupervised.
Yes. That’s your kid. Whether they’re with you or not you’re responsible for how they act at others houses. If it was all a huge accident and both parties know it was maybe split the price. But if my daughter went for a sleep over and broke something I’d pay them or replace it
Yes,you would be responsible for paying. Maybe they’d split the cost with you but if not ,I’d say you would need to.
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I personally wouldn’t ask someone to pay for something their kid broke at my house, especially if I invited them over. I think once I take the responsibility of someone else’s kid in my home, I need to watch them. However, if I knew my kid broke something at someone’s house I would offer to replace it or if it’s expensive (sounds like it was) then I would at least offer some sort of compensation and maybe not let my kid go over without me anymore.
Need to know the details… because if my child was guilty of breaking rules and broke something, I would feel at least partially responsible for fixing the situation… But, if their kid was instigating the bad behaviors or involved with causing the accident, then I’d be less inclined to feel responsible… If their child is known for “accidents”, I’d be suspicious they weren’t just blaming my kid… 
It’s the right thing to do. If your child breaks something it’s upto you to replace it.
Doesn’t matter if they asked for the sleep over or not. If their child was at your home and broke your computer; you would want them to replace it, correct?
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You are responsible for your child until the age of 18. You should definitely teach your child some responsibility even if it was an accident i believe doing the right thing and replacing it or paying for it to be fixed.
She has a good paying part time job but if she didn’t I have wanted my son to pay. It’s not the money it’s respect and right.
I would replace and hqve my kid work off chores to repay. My son broke my window. His dad paid for it… I didnt have it and even though we dont live together we still coparent greatly. He had to clear out dads garage and organize… Plus regular chores. He was 14 I think. He was mad and thru basket ball at it. Ownership and responsibility of our actions is important to us to show our kids. If my kid was younger I’d do the same but maybe alter the work to repay. He is now 18 and one of the most responsible kids i know. We all make mistakes… But we must be held accountable… Even if its an accident
I would ask your child if he even did it first. You have people out there that would make this stuff up so you can end up paying for something that your child didn’t even do. I have liability insurance anyways so if something happened insurance would pay.
If I were there and he broke the computer in my presence then yes for sure and 100% of the cost. Now here in you’re situation they broke it during their care so I say No… because they should have an eye on you’re child all the time therefore nothing would have been broken. However to be nice and to make sure to preserve the peace … I would offer the pay 50% of it but I would need to see the damage done first
Yes. If my child breaks something even if invited over its my responsibility. At least offer. If they decline then I’ve at least tried to fix it.
I would probably feel responsible. However, I was once invited to a barbecue and when I got there I was in my brand new vehicle. Their little boy took his Jeep and ran it into the side of my brand new car and put a dent in it. The parents did not offer to pay to fix the dent in my 3 day old car. I was then made to feel petty by the other people at the barbecue for getting upset that a four-year-old put a dent my car. I was told he is just a little boy. I really was upset though.
Send him over to work it off if you can’t afford to pay for it out-of-pocket. If you can, do so, then have him work at home to pay YOU back. You didn’t break it, he did. So he should be responsible for paying for it.
If you were there yes then you would pay for it. But honestly if they are watching your child then it depends how old the child is. Technically they took the responsibility of watching your child. They should keep an eye on your child. If they are not responsible enough to watch your child you shouldn’t let your child go over there.
Why even question it - it’s the right thing to do!!
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If it was out it could have just as easily been my kid to break it, so no way would I ever think someone else should pay for something their kid broke on accident at my home. If it was that important or delicate it should have been put up and if its something everyday like a TV or such, well it could have happened any other day.
That being said though if it was something big like a TV I’d feel bad and I’d probably offer to pay for part of it.
More information is needed… What exactly happened? How old is your child? Was her child involved too? Where were the adults when it happened? There are so many factors that play into this… All the answers need to be known to determine how much you are responsible for imho…
1.) Don’t know the age of your child. I wouldn’t imagine that a kid under 5 should be responsible for damage. If they are close friends or family, offering to pay half is a reasonable solution to keep a decent relationship. However, I’d be wary of leaving my child there in the future.
2.) If your kid is older than five, depending on the accident, it is probably your responsibility to pay for the replacement, ethically-speaking.
If It were me…yes. I would still teach them accidents happen and use it as a learning experience and show them that we take responsibility for our mistakes.
Of course it’s Your responsibility. If your kid broke it, your kid should replace it.
How would you feel if their kid came over and knocked a hole in your wall and said, “not my fault, you invited me over and should have been watching me”?
Teach your kid to be responsible for their actions now so they don’t grow up to be entitled adults.
Split cost and call it a day cause you weren’t there and have no idea what happened and they should have been watching a bit more. kids get rowdy so they shouldn’t have been being rowdy by,around, or with a computer .
Yes. If it’s a computer most definitely. I have my work computer sitting in the dining room and I tell all kids to stay away from it. Usually computers have a set spot and kids should know not to touch things like that.
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If the kid wasn’t listening and was doing something he shouldn’t be doing…yes, I’d expect the parent to replace, but if it was truly an accident…I’d have a hard time telling the parent I want them to replace…
If I was present, I would take responsibility. With it being that you were not present then I don’t feel it is your responsibility. The adult who was responsible for the child(Ren) is responsible for supervising.
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UMMM, got to know more information, got to think too that if someone else comes over and breaks something expensive at my house, I am goinna expect them to replace it. But small child, no, from age like 9 or older maybe, they should know to respect other peoples belongings, really need more information
My son broke a fake deer (used for target practice for hunting). We paid the family so they could replace it and then made my son do extra chores to work off his balance with us.
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No unless you’re child purposely broke it then that is on them. I have never asked a single parent to replace anything there child broke. I personally feel I don’t know their financial circumstances so I don’t believe in making take care of it. My house my problem but that might just be me.
I would say both parties are responsible since the child broke it and also the other party did not watch him appropriately to prevent damage. So both parties should pay half to fix the issue.
Be a parent and stand up for your child’s mistake. Accidents happen but they can also be prevented. At least offer to pay half, I do agree with you, they should have been supervised but it’s still your child.
It depends how old is your child? If he is under 7 I think they are completely responsible and you should not leave your child with them at their home or outside because they are not responsible enough to take care of a child. Breaking a computer is not the problem your child could hurt himself as they were not supervising him
Yes! Depending on age if an older child make them work to pay for the damage
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In my opinion your child your responsibility! I’ve been in a similar situation and I replaced what was broken period.
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We are all responsible for our own children. Yes they should have been keeping an eye on the kids but it’s the same principle as if your child broke something in a store.
Yes. Just because you didn’t ask them to keep your child overnight and just because you are saying that they were t supervised, it’s still on you. This would be a good time to make accepting responsibility a life lesson for your son.
It’s a matter of morals and values. I personally, at least offer to help with the damage made by my child.
Yes, something that expensive I would definitely offer to compensate. A lamp, plate, or something less valuable I would apologize, offer to have the next sleepover at my home and have a talk with my child about being careful with other people’s belongings. Accidents happen but if a guest in your home broke a pricey item I’m sure you would want some compensation.
If a visiting child ACCIDENTALLY broke something I wouldnt even mention it to his parents. I would talk to the children about how the accident happened. The broken computer was mentioned because the owner expects you to replace it.
well being a parent is tough. I had a child come over and they broke my daughters tv. the little girl took it off the shelf and stepped on it repeatedly. parents were at the house and watched it happen. they offered to replace it without being asked. as far as replacing it I wouldnt. I would offer to help cover some cost for repair or new one. I wouldnt shell out money for a new one tho. there could have been things like it was 5yrs old, damage already done, ect. you could spend way more on a new one then what the old one would be worth.
Well I have an insurance that if my kid breaks something, the insurance will pay for it. This is actually common where I live. So yeah… your kid your responsibility!!
I feel it would be our obligation to replace or have it fixed of course I’d make my child work it off with me as I would take care of it up front
My child broke something at his godmothers house & I replaced it. However it wasnt as expensive as a laptop… but in my opinion if your child is a toddler then they should of been paying attention and kept objects like that away from the child. But if your child is older he/she should know better without needing constant supervision & should be held accountable for her/his actions.
How old is your son? I know you said small children so they should not be unattended.
If your child was older then yes.
If children were at my house for a sleepover/party they are my responsibility. I wouldn’t let the children near anything valuable.
If someone’s child was out of control and broke something on purpose, yes I would expect the parents to step up. If it was an accident then I probably wouldn’t even tell the parents their child accidentally broke something. Accidents happen.
This depends on the situation.
However, I would pay. Or offer to pay for repairs.
It does not matter who asked whom to spend the night or go over.
While adults can supervise, accidents happen.
Was it truly an accident, or were the kids, or one child, being more rambunctious etc.
at minimum I’d pay for repair or half of replacement.
If my child damaged something at someone else’s house then I would offer to pay half or the whole thing. Adults can’t always keep an eye on kids 24-7. Yeah she could have put it up but she probably didn’t think about it at the time. It is still your responsibility bc your child damaged it whether it was on accident or not
Yes, always. If your son is old enough, he should do things around your house to earn some money to help. He will learn the value of money and to take better care of things. Others belongings and his own.
well on the other side of this my daughters friend stuck a second disk in the wii which broke it and i had to re buy a new one when he was told not to touch it. we are no longer friends since this im annoyed
Yes you are responsible, not only in teaching your child right and wrong as well as the rules of your home, but also teaching them that different houses have different rules, their child may play just fine around their “breakables” so no they should not have to put their things in their home away, your child broke it even if on accident, its your responsibility to replace it. Think of the store policies if you break it you buy it, same concept… so now you need to teach your child about responsibility, have them do extra chores and stuff to pay back their debt to you
I absolutely would replace it. But then your child should have to repay you. If your child is old enough for a sleepover they should have to be monitored 24/7
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There’s not enough info. I would want more details before I agreed to pay for a replacement computer. Did the parents leave a computer out on a dining room table and it got damaged by a spill? Or on the floor to get stepped on? How old are the kids? I wouldn’t give kids 10 and under access to electronics without supervision. Can the computer be fixed for less money than a replacement?
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I would, just because I would feel so horrible, even if it wasn’t their fault. I would feel responsible since it was my child that broke it. That’s just me personally
I always replace what my kids break at other people houses it my child but then i make then repay me by doing chores to learn to be responsible
I say no … i teach my kids that if they have a friend over to stay and that said friends breaks something or steals something belonging to them . Then it is there responsibility because they wanted to trust another in there bedroom (may i also add kids r old enough not to be supervised ) . So with tjat being said my daughter would be the 1 to either go without until a birthday or xmas to get a new replacement or they just dont jave that anymore and then they have a decision to either continue being friends or to end there friendship because that said friend never respected there property .
And i teach my children if they break or steal something then they own up to it and they take responsibility because there actions have consequences and im not liable to pay for their actions.
She’ll be in visitation line for prison if she keeps asking questions like this. Responsibility look up the definition.
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Yes you should replace or repair the damaged computer. How is this even a question- you’re missing an opportunity to teach your child responsibly, respect for other people’s property, correcting their mistakes, the damage hourseplay can cause, and integrity.
If the shoe was on the other foot and your computer was damaged, I’m sure you’d be asking their parent/s to chip in. Common decency. Teach your child responsibility & accountability.
You are definitely responsible for everything your child does until they are 18. Morally, you should be more than willing to replace the item, because if the roles were reversed, you’d want your item replaced as well.
Obviously…As parents we are obligated to pay for the damage caused by our children…that would be a good gesture as well…
I had something similar happen. My daughter took her laptop to a friends home. It got broken. Both girls said they didnt know what happened to it, they put it in a corner of the room and was changing a twin bed to a queen bed, when they were done it was still in the corner closed but screen broken. (Friend has 3 younger sisters that could of stepped/sat or what ever on it. Or they could of laid a bed post on it.) I never once said they or the parents should pay for it. I told my daughter it was her fault and responsibility and she has to replace it if she wants a new one. (She was told not to take her laptop anywhere but home,grand parents and aunts home, so I feel she was in the wrong)
That was the rule I was raised with. Is it reasonable or fair? I don’t know the facts in this case. I just know that was the expectation.
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