When a Day Care Kid Breaks something

[mamaof4]

What do you do when a daycare kid breaks something?

Do you expect/ask the parents to replace it? Apologize?

[playfelt]

Depends what it is, the age of the child, how much I like the family as in our relationship, and the circumstances - accident or deliberate. If the child did it on purpose or it happened after repeatedly being told not to treat a toy a certain way - although they usually only get one warning on this before the toy goes away - then I might. If it is something of mine that was left within reach then it is my fault.

[Emilys4Guppies]

If it's something that is valuable to me, and was intentionally broken (or broken doing something that is clearly against the rules) then I do ask the parents to split the cost of the item with me. I do expect that some things will get broken with so many children in the house...it's just a part of the game. That is why I don't require they pay for the whole thing, only part.

Of course, I did once have a 6yo in care who willfully smashed a crystal vase I had on the counter because he was upset I would have him do his homework before playing outside. This child had no discipline at home and was a constant pull on my limited time because of all the correcting I had to do with him so he'd behave in MY home even if not in his. It was not the first thing he'd broken, and I had simply absorbed the cost of the other smaller items...but not my crystal vase. It was not hugely expensive, but I luckily still had the box/reciept (I keep stuff like that) so I did have the parents replace the entire item. Needless to say, he was only in my care for 3 months before I gave the family notice to find new care.

[Emilys4Guppies]

Depends what it is, the age of the child, how much I like the family as in our relationship, and the circumstances - accident or deliberate. If the child did it on purpose or it happened after repeatedly being told not to treat a toy a certain way - although they usually only get one warning on this before the toy goes away - then I might. If it is something of mine that was left within reach then it is my fault.

LOL, this is a better answer and more accurate. It does depend on lots of things...relationshi p with family, deliberate actions, knowing the rules, ect.

[Play and Learn]

As stated in my manual (which is on another computer...), that if a child breaks one of my toys or something in my home/property (on purpose), the parent is expected to pay for it or buy a new one brand new (NOT used). The child also apparently needs to be taught respect of other peoples items, and parents will receive one strike (3 strikes, then they're termed).

[mom-in-alberta]

Depends on the circumstances. As a provider, I expect that toys will wear out sooner, and that things will get broken. I have pretty much anything of value put up out of arms reach or in china cabinets for that reason.
I will admit that willful destruction of things is something that makes me see red. Even with my own kids, I go a little nuts over it, haha. If a child breaks something on purpose, as often happens when kids get jealous or just want to act out, they are spoken to once about respecting others belongings. After that, I would likely ask mom/dad to replace the item or it's cost somewhat. This is still MY home, and one of our primary expectations is to respect other people (thier body, feelings and property).