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10 Times Kids’ Stupid Mistakes Wrecked Their Parents’ Finances

February 14, 2025 | Leave a Comment

Kids mistakes that wreck family finances
Image Source: Pexels

Some types of kids’ mistakes are easy to laugh off, such as the DIY haircuts children give each other when they discover the kitchen shears. However, other mishaps and accidents can have real financial consequences for families. For example, parents may be saddled with serious costs if their kids cause property damage at a neighbor’s house or make unauthorized, nonrefundable purchases. To help make you aware of potential financial risks, here are 10 common kids’ mistakes that could cost you serious money. 

10 Kids’ Mistakes That Cost Their Parents Serious Money

1. Game Microtransactions

Gaming microtransactions
Image Source: Pexels

One of the most common and costly kids’ mistakes is game microtransactions. Over the years, there have been many reports of children buying thousands of dollars of in-game content. For example, a six-year-old in Connecticut racked up a $16,000 bill in a mobile game called Sonic Forces: Speed Battle. His mom initially noticed the problem after $2,500 was charged to her credit card. 

However, when she contacted her credit card company, she was told that the charges were probably fraud-related. Because she believed she was being scammed, she didn’t question her son about the charges, which continued to mount. 

By the time everyone realized what was happening, her son had run up a $16,000 bill. Unfortunately, the 60-day refund window had passed, leaving her responsible for the microtransactions. Yikes! 

To prevent this from happening to you, remember to enable parental controls that block in-app purchases and remove your credit card information from your devices. 

2. Property Damage 

Kids’ mistakes can also cause extensive property damage. Football star Tyreek Hill’s South Florida home, which he purchased for $6.9 million, was damaged in an accidental fire. Reportedly, a child playing with a lighter in one of the bedrooms started the blaze, which primarily engulfed the attic. Luckily the family made it out safely and no one was injured. 

Although insurance covers property damage, homes hold many sentimental memories and belongings that often can’t be replaced. So it’s tragic when children’s unintentional mishaps cause fires. 

3. A $4,000 Amazon Order 

Amazon orders can be kids mistakes
Image Source: Pexels

Nowadays kids are so tech-savvy that a 5-year-old figured out how to place a massive Amazon order, costing her parents thousands. According to Today.com, Lila asked her mom for her phone one night to play some games. But instead, Lila actually logged into Amazon and went on a huge shopping spree. 

She bought nearly $4,000 of merchandise using a saved credit card, including multiple dirt bikes and pairs of women’s cowboy boots. Her mom canceled the orders that hadn’t shipped yet, but several huge boxes still showed up at their door a few days later. 

Fortunately, this was one of the kids’ mistakes that was reversible. All of the Amazon sellers agreed to take back the merchandise and issue refunds. Some parents aren’t so lucky and end up saddled with unreturnable products. 

When Lila’s parents asked why she pulled this stunt, she simply said “I wanted it and I got it.” Hopefully, this sassy little shopper has learned her lesson and won’t put her parents in financial jeopardy again! 

4. Roughhousing 

Another common kid mistake is roughhousing. Children can get carried away while playing and forget their own strength, which sometimes results in injuries. If you leave your child unsupervised and cause harm to a peer, you could be responsible for the injured party’s medical bills. However, there are usually caps on how much money parents can be held liable for. 

5. Unauthorized Donations 

Tweens and teens have also made costly kids mistakes that messed up their family’s finances. According to Screen Rant, one teenager donated nearly $20,000 of his family’s savings to popular Twitch streamers. Luckily the parents were able to contact Twitch’s payment processor and get the vast majority of the money refunded. 

However, the situation was a big logistical headache. It was hard to get in touch with anyone who could help, and some of the funds couldn’t be recovered, causing financial losses. Although this teen definitely should’ve known better, younger children also use Twitch, so parents argue that the platform needs better fraud detection methods. 

6. Memecoins 

Memecoin kids financial mistakes
Image Source: Pexels

Another financial kids’ mistake parents should be aware of is selling memecoins. These are cryptocurrencies that are created for fun or as a joke. One teen made his own memecoin and bought a large percentage of the shares. 

Unexpectedly, the coin surged in value, prompting the teen to cash out and earn tens of thousands of dollars in an evening. However, many other investors lost money on the coin because the teen sold his entire supply at once, causing the value to plummet. Although this incident didn’t cost his parents any money, they received angry messages on social media from disgruntled investors. 

Kids can easily be convinced to create or buy memecoins and end up on the losing end of the transaction. So make sure to closely monitor your child’s online activity so they don’t get taken in by crypto schemes. 

7. Accidental Cable Purchase

Did you ever buy a pay-per-view movie without your parent’s permission? Even today, kids are still making unauthorized cable purchases, including a 2-year-old who accidentally bought an NBA League Pass. 

While playing with the remote, she clicked just the right combination of buttons to purchase a pricey $200 cable add-on. Sadly, her dad wasn’t able to get the charge reversed, leaving him on the hook for a hefty unexpected expense. To prevent future mishaps, he added password purchase protection to his TV. 

8. Online Auction Gone Awry 

Online auctions kids bidding
Image Source: Pexels

Kids can also get into trouble with online auctions. A 14-month-old little girl gained access to her father’s eBay account on his phone. She placed a bid on a vintage car and ended up winning the auction for $225. Her dad’s first reaction was to panic and ask the seller to cancel the transaction. 

Although the seller was willing to release him from the deal, he ended up deciding to keep the vehicle. He started working on it as a project car and hopes to give it to his daughter when she’s old enough to drive. While this purchase didn’t necessarily wreck her family’s finances, the car repairs will likely cost them thousands, making it an expensive kids’ mistake.

9. Damage to Neighbor’s Property 

Another common kid mistake that puts strain on the family’s finances is vandalism. Some children act out their frustration on others’ property, resulting in hefty bills for their parents. One Reddit user’s glass greenhouse was broken by an unruly neighborhood child, resulting in nearly $3,000 in damages. 

10. Huge DoorDash Orders

Kids mistakes DoorDash
Image Source: Pexels

The final kid mistake we want to highlight is placing an accidental food order. A Texas mother left her phone unlocked, allowing her 2-year-old son to gain access to her DoorDash account. Somehow he clicked the right combination of buttons to order 31 cheeseburgers from McDonald’s. He also left a generous 25% tip for the driver, which brought the total to a whopping $91.70. 

His mom said the incident was funny because no one in the family likes cheeseburgers. She made a post on a local Facebook page to explain the saga and offer up the burgers for free. Her story ended up going viral and was even covered by CNN.

Have your children ever made any mistakes that had negative financial consequences? Share your stories in the comments.

Vicky Monroe headshot
Vicky Monroe

Vicky Monroe is a freelance personal finance writer who enjoys learning about and discussing the psychology of money. In her free time, she loves to cook and tackle DIY projects.

Filed Under: Money and Finances Tagged With: Kids, money, playtime disasters

10 Playtime Disasters That Resulted in Unexpected Repair Bills

June 3, 2024 | Leave a Comment

10 Playtime Disasters That Resulted in Unexpected Repair Bills

Playtime often brings joy and laughter, but sometimes, it can lead to unexpected disasters. Parents know that when kids play, accidents happen, and these accidents can result in significant repair bills. From broken windows to damaged electronics, the cost of fixing these mishaps can add up quickly. Here are ten playtime disasters that have caused unexpected repair bills.

1. Broken Windows

Broken Windows

Children love to play ball games, but in some cases, an enthusiastic throw or kick can result in a broken window. Repairing a shattered window can be costly, especially if it involves custom glass. Aside from the repair cost, broken windows also pose safety risks and require immediate attention. Parents should consider safe play zones to avoid such accidents.

2. Damaged Electronics

Damaged Electronics

Kids today often have access to tablets, laptops, and other electronics. A spilled drink or a dropped device can lead to expensive repairs or replacements. Electronic repairs can be particularly costly, sometimes rivaling the price of the original item. Teaching kids to handle gadgets with care is crucial to avoid these mishaps.

3. Furniture Destruction

Furniture Destruction

Energetic play can sometimes lead to furniture being used as playground equipment. Jumping on sofas or climbing bookshelves can result in broken frames and damaged upholstery. Repairing or replacing furniture can be a significant expense, not to mention the potential for injury. Encouraging appropriate play areas can help minimize these risks.

4. Carpet Stains

Carpet Stains

Arts and crafts, along with food and drinks, can lead to stubborn carpet stains. Cleaning services for deep stains can be pricey and may not always restore the carpet to its original state. In severe cases, replacing the carpet may be necessary, adding to the unexpected repair costs. Using washable materials and setting rules for food in certain areas can help prevent this issue.

5. Wall Damage

Wall Damage

Indoor play can sometimes result in holes or marks on walls. Whether it’s from roughhousing or accidental collisions, repairing drywall and repainting can be both time-consuming and expensive. Even small holes need professional repair to ensure they don’t worsen over time. Creating designated play spaces can help protect walls from such damage.

6. Plumbing Issues

Plumbing Issues

Playtime in the bathroom or kitchen can sometimes lead to clogged drains or damaged fixtures. Toys flushed down toilets or stuck in sinks can result in costly plumbing repairs. These issues often require professional plumbers, adding to the expense. Supervising young children during playtime in these areas is essential to prevent such disasters.

7. Yard Damage

Yard Damage

Outdoor play can sometimes be as destructive as indoor activities. Trampolines, swing sets, and even bike riding can lead to damaged lawns, broken fences, or dented garage doors. Repairing yard damage can involve both labor and material costs, quickly adding up. Setting clear boundaries and maintaining equipment can help reduce these incidents.

8. Broken Doors

Broken Doors

Slamming doors during games of chase or hide and seek can lead to broken hinges or cracked door frames. Door repairs can be surprisingly costly, particularly if the frame or locking mechanism is damaged. Ensuring children understand the importance of gentle door handling can prevent such playtime disasters. Regular maintenance checks can also catch potential problems early.

9. Appliance Damage

Appliance Damage

Household appliances like washing machines, dryers, and refrigerators can become unintended victims of playtime. Misuse or rough handling can lead to costly repairs or even the need for replacement. Appliance repair bills can be hefty, especially if parts need to be ordered. Teaching children to respect household items and explaining their proper use can mitigate these risks.

10. Ceiling Fan Accidents

Ceiling Fan Accidents

Ceiling fans can become dangerous when kids throw toys or jump on beds beneath them. Damaged fan blades or broken light fixtures require immediate repair and can be pretty expensive. In some cases, entire units need to be replaced, adding to the cost. Ensuring that play areas are away from ceiling fans can help prevent such incidents.

Watch Out for Potential Playtime Disasters to Avoid Unexpected Repair Bills

Watch Out for Potential Playtime Disasters to Avoid Unexpected Repair Bills

Playtime disasters can lead to unexpected repair bills, causing stress and financial strain for families. By creating safe play environments and teaching children about the potential consequences of their actions, many of these accidents can be avoided. Awareness and prevention are crucial to minimizing the impact of playtime mishaps. Taking proactive steps can ensure that playtime remains a fun and safe experience for everyone involved.

Read More:

10 Hidden Dangers of Social Media Every Parent Should Know

Why Screen Time Scares Parents: 10 Eye-Opening Reasons

Catherine Reed
Catherine Reed

Catherine is a tech-savvy writer who has focused on the personal finance space for more than eight years. She has a Bachelor’s in Information Technology and enjoys showcasing how tech can simplify everyday personal finance tasks like budgeting, spending tracking, and planning for the future. Additionally, she’s explored the ins and outs of the world of side hustles and loves to share what she’s learned along the way. When she’s not working, you can find her relaxing at home in the Pacific Northwest with her two cats or enjoying a cup of coffee at her neighborhood cafe.

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: home expenses, home repairs, Playing, Playtime, playtime disasters, unexpected repair bills

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Basic Principles Of Good Parenting

Here some basic principles for good parenting:

  1. What You Do Matters: Your kids are watching you. So, be purposeful about what you want to accomplish.
  2. You Can’t be Too Loving: Don’t replace love with material possessions, lowered expectations or leniency.
  3. Be Involved Your Kids Life: Arrange your priorities to focus on what your kid’s needs. Be there mentally and physically.
  4. Adapt Your Parenting: Children grow quickly, so keep pace with your child’s development.
  5. Establish and Set Rules: The rules you set for children will establish the rules they set for themselves later.  Avoid harsh discipline and be consistent.
  6. Explain Your Decisions: What is obvious to you may not be evident to your child. They don’t have the experience you do.
  7. Be Respectful To Your Child: How you treat your child is how they will treat others.  Be polite, respectful and make an effort to pay attention.
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