[tobeafamily]

OK so DS had a friend from preschool over today. They are both four, though DS is about 7 months older than this boy. All was going well until....

DS decided to say "HEY B, betcha can't break this window!"

Which of course, B could (we have very old single pane plate glass windows) and in the process got a nasty cut on his wrist.

We called 911, the police (3 cars!) and an ambulance came right away, and they said yep, needs stitches and off to the hospital they go.

So, here's what we've done:

1. DS drew a card and wrote (with help) a get well note. He also did a couple of other pictures. Since they left their car here and we imagine they will be back for it, we plan to give it to them then.

2. We've arranged through a flower shop to have balloons and a bear delivered to their house tomorrow (flowers just seemed too old for a 4 YO).

Did we do the right things? What else should be done?

Thanks all.

Regina

[lonni]

Sounds good,really. Just make sure to call and check on him daily for a couple of weeks to show your genuine concern.If they had insurance,maybe it is 100 percent covered in Emergency Room,but some plans only partially cover ambulance service.So maybe mention helping with the medical.They will probably say no,but it is nice to atleast offer !

[AwaitingBeloved]

Regina, I'm sorry you had to experience this. How scary!

I agree with the previous poster, I would call and chat with the mom or dad or both and let them know how sincerely sorry you are that their child was injured and that your little one is sorry, too. I think offering to pay for the services is a great idea, too. And the offer will probably go a long way, whether they accept it or not.

I'm really sorry. I hope your son is okay, I bet this was scary for him to witness.

[tobeafamily]

Julie,

Thanks so much. It shook DS, he keeps kind of referring to it at times, processing everything, but so far he's OK. Mom came back to get her car - said babe got 7 stitches, but really 'dodged a bullet' and escaped any more serious injury to the wrist. Babe's dad is a doctor, met them at hospital and reviewed the care. DS had made him some drawings and written a get well message (with a little but not much help).

They actually offered to pay for the broken window, which we immediately refused of course. We're getting replacement windows in 5 weeks, and even if we weren't there would be no way we'd ever expect that. I offered to pay co-pays and such. She said she'd call in a few days to check in with me, and made sure to tell DS directly that babe was fine, he's going home and they would play together again soon.

Honestly, I'm shook. I have no idea where DS ever got it in his head to take his friend over to a window and say "Hey, bet you can't break this window." He does seem to be doing more of the "Mom, I bet you can't do X" or "Can you do Y like me?" stuff but a window? What was he thinking?

So it's got me scared out of my mind. Before I was relaxed, figuring my home was safe and he had good judgement. Now, not so much...

*sigh*

Regina

[kelceesmom]

Regina,
Glad to hear things went smoothly with the mommy of DS's playmate. Chalk it up to a learning experience. A very scary one but one non the less.

It was nice of you to send the balloons and bear. He will have fun with that I'm sure.

Now for you maybe you need to soak in a bubble bath and have a glass of wine to let go of it??!!

[teranga]

Sounds like you did all the right things, in my opinion. If it were my son who had ended up hurt that way, I would in no way blame the parent or either child. They're 4. Their judgment is....shall we say....not quite 100%.

Not only have you handled it correctly, but the other family now has a story to tell him for the rest of his life. "On this day of your wedding, I can't help but recall that day you punched your hand through a window...."

Teranga

[dpen6]

Regina,

I didnt know whether to post this or not but I think it might be good to be aware. I know of a situation in out town where 2 boys (around 10 or 11) were playing with one of those rocket things that you pump and it propels in the air. Well, one of the kids had his face over it and it hit his eye. He almost lost his eyesight. He is ok(I think) now.

The parents sued the other set of parents.....don't know how it ended up but the potential is there.

How is your home insurance?

I am sorry to even bring it up but it is a reality.

Your ideas are great....

[tobeafamily]

Dpen,

Being the child and sister of attorneys, I am afraid I thought of this as well. The police and ambulance came, and the police took the report - both boys described it the same way BTW.

Our homeowners is good, if need be it will protect us against any suit as it covers guests to the property being injured. I've also been very careful not to admit blame, saying only that I feel bad that their son hurt himself at our house. Even the card we sent w/balloons says "I'm sorry you got a cut and hope you feel better." Sad, these days, but true.

Still, I think an ounce of 'we're sorry this happened' is worth a pound of lawyers. Being raised w/attorneys, I was always amazed at how much refusing to simply acknowledge loss/hurt/whatever caused so many dang lawsuits!

Hoping it never does come to that, b/c the kids really like each other (they're both 4 YO golf nuts - DS' only friend who loves golf) and play very well together. Plus I like babe's mom, she's a very articulate, smart lady.

*sigh*

Regina

[deanac24]

Hopefully things will turn out well and the kids can play again. At least she offered to pay the broken window and you offered help with medical expenses. The bear and balloons was a sweet thought.

[StorkWatcher]

My sister was seriously injured in a jet ski accident when she was babysitting one summer, while on vacation with the family, helping out w/ the kids. The father of the family she worked for is an orthopedic surgeon, which was a good thing.

He was used to strange accidents, and performed the surgeries she needed on her leg. They were so nice about everything - you could tell how horrible and responsible they felt, even though it was just a freak accident. My parents never blamed them a bit.

And I remember one time when we were little a friend being hurt on our jungle gym and requiring stitches.

I think a bit part of how these things turn out is the attitude of the parents - it sounds as if you handled things perfectly, and that the other set of parents realizes that sometimes these things can happen to kids.

Good luck! I hope the boys can continue to play together.

[HBV]

I think you handled everything perfectly, and I couldn't agree more that expressing regret and making an offer to help w/ the medical will help prevent the matter from escalating. The only thing I'd add is that you may want to check the notification clause of your homeowner's policy to see if/when they require notification (hopefully you won't even get there, but some of the policies use improper/late notification as a way to get around coverage.)