A few month after we came here in 2007 my son was playing with the kids outside and one of the kids (girl) broke her glasses as she jumped to try and catch the ball my son had thrown up. That night she knocked on our door and said to him to pay for the glasses. We had the same immidiate reaction as the OP.

I then thought this will be a great learing experiance for my son (8 years old then). I asked him to decide what to do. he decided to write a note to her offering to pay 50% but making a point that it was not his fault. I agreed and now three years after both my kids and this girl and her brother are best of friends.

There is always two sides to a story. Parents should stay out of these situations (unless it becomes ugly).

Remember we are raising future adults....

and Everyone, Yes Everyone is a good person they just need to be allowed to express their goodness