Would you pay for the child's coat?

Jet

rosie-marie wrote: »

Jet, reading your last post you sound like a really nice mum trying to do the right thing - hope it all blows over for you. Good luck.

Ah thank you. If it was my son't coat, I doubt if I would have approached the school anyway, but if I did, all I would ask for is an apology from the child and would be happy with that.

seven-day-weekend

I too think you are doing the right thing, well done.

spinning_hamster_wheel

aliasojo wrote: »

Just shows what a varied bunch we are. I dont look at this the same way as you at all......I still think the cost is irrelevent, it's NOT that other parents are paying for another family's choice at all imo...it's that other parents are paying for their child's part in ruining something that belongs to another.

I think your argument is very dangerous..where do you draw the line? If your child ruins something cheap, then that's ok you will deal with it but if he ruins something expensive then that's tough and you will only offer to cover a portion of the cost or replace with something cheaper which sits better with your choice?

I agree we are all very different and I can see where you're coming from and totally respect your opinion. BUT, I still do not agree, if another mum chose to send her son to school in an expensive coat, that is her choice. If she'd asked me to pay £55 for the result of some boys fooling around in the playground I'd tell her to take a hike, cheap or expensive, the result would be the same; an apology from my son and an offer (maybe) to have the item repaired by a local seamstress.

Personally I think there's more to this than meets the eye, even if I did send one of my kids to school in an expensive coat and it got ripped I don't think I'd have the brass neck to ask other parents to pay for it. From what the OP says she seems to have a history of making a nuisance of herself, I'd even offer the suggesteion, that, perchance, she might even be "at it".

toshkininny

she'll most probably rip it a bit more to make her point!

Jet

toshkininny wrote: »

she'll most probably rip it a bit more to make her point!

Yes, possibly. :rolleyes:

Unless it is proven without a doubt that my son caused the damage maliciously, then my offer will still stand.

Susan_Frost

I strongly suggest you inspect the coat before you pay anything !!!

And check with your son that the damage you see is that original damage (and not made worse by anyone deliberately). Now they are back in school, do you collect your son, and would you see the other boy possibly wearing the coat ?

Then make a decision about what is reasonable.

Gingham_Ribbon

aliasojo wrote: »

Sorry guys but since there's quite a few comments about the coat cost, I have to come back and say that it's no-one else's business how much this woman spends on her children's clothes. It might not be what you or I would spend but that's beside the point.

If the coat really cost £55 then that's what it cost. None of us have the right to judge someone else's spending habits when they really aren't the issue here. The issue is damage and potential blame. End of.

I agree. Although we are extremely frugal, my son's school coat was expensive because I wanted him to have a very warm fully waterproof coat as he often needs to walk in the rain in it. That's my business, like it's her business and has nothing to do with this situation.

I wouldn't pay. Accidents happen. When kids play sometimes clothes get torn. That's just tough.

burnsguitarman

Unless the coat was deliberately damaged by your son, AND made unwearable, I would not offer any contribution, towards repair or replacement, I would simply apologise, and maybe offer to try and repair it yourself if she is not capable.
If this is not acceptable to her, then tell her firmly that you are very sorry, but accidents happen and children do spoil there clothes sometimes! Don't punish your son, if the incident had happened to your son what outcome would you expect? I know I would just accept it as a misfortune! (You could always tell her to sue you LOL!!!)

loobylou2

I've had this sort of situation with my children and their clothes at school being ripped or damaged but I would never ever dream of asking another childs parents to pay to either replace or repair the damage. How rude is that!!! Children are children and things do get damaged/torn regardless of whether or not they are expensive purchases!!!. I think that you are doing the right thing and being very generous by offering an apology and a contribution to the cost of either a replacement coat or a repair but tbh in a way this childs mother only has herself to blame for the situation if she's sent her child to school in such expensive clothing in the first instance because after all boys will be boys and if she says anything to you about the incident I'd suggest that you politely remind her of this. Hope you get things sorted.

Fourcandles_3

Just wanted to say my daughter goes to school in a £45 coat. Not because we are posh or only buy brand names but because it's a damn good coat that will last nearly two years. I always buy Regatta type coats with the waterproof layer and removeable fleece lining.

We do alot of walking (rambling ) and as I can only afford one coat I get a good one that suits all occasions.

I think it's unfair for some posters to comment on the apparent stuppidity of buying an expensive coat for school when not everyone has a coat for every outfit. Should I go and buy a cheap coat just for school? Maybe I could justify it for a summer coat but not another winter one. We walk nearly a mile to school each way and I want her warm and dry.