Kid broke iPad
So my 11yo son was using the iPad in his room and accidentally knocked it off a dresser. The screen shattered and it doesn’t turn on anymore. He was really freaked out and felt so bad about it. It’s my husband’s work iPad technically but we use it at home a lot for entertainment.
My husband made him write a letter to his work apologizing and saying he will replace it. My kid did that willingly and is planning to save money/sell pokémon cards to replace the iPad (~$400). He also said as punishment he can’t have any play dates for two weeks.
Husband is getting on my case saying I’m not doing anything to discipline him more. I don’t know what else to do. He is remorseful and taking responsibility, and it was also an accident. It’s not like he got angry and threw it or something. I was also overly disciplined as a child so I have a weird relationship with punishment and shame towards children.
What are your thoughts? What would you do in this situation? How do you handle discipline for accidents?
Posted Dec 6, 2025, 6:30 PM UTC