What would you do?? (11yo ds gets water on digital piano... )

[mktkcb]

Well, this is me today...:ack2: My lovely son put his 1/3 full glass of water on the digital piano and proceeded to knock it over onto the keys. Which immediately began wigging out and sounding wierd. Piano is now upside down draining and drying (a vain exercise, I am sure), and I'm trying to figure out creative ways of extracting blood from a turnip (so to speak). This is a major disaster. My son is very musically gifted, takes piano with an awesome teacher, is in NUMEROUS recitals/competitions etc. He is also very immature. We don't give allowances in our house, and we rarely pay for chores. IE money is scarce for this kid. There are very few ways I can conceive of for him to atone for a $500 instrument. I'm thinking the best thing to do is to eliminate all superfluous, "fun" extra activities that cost us money. Barring a major miracle healing of the keyboard, he's looking at giving up: Taekwondo for the next testing cycle ($120 total) (he is almost at the end of this cycle), any camp type summer activities (we've done Jr. lifeguards/summer theatre/piano camp in the past), and musical theatre in the fall (135), plus skipping any fast food opportunities (maybe $2 a week), and forking up any stray cash he might have. Stopping piano is NOT an option with this particular kid. at this stage of his life, he wouldn't be too unhappy to give that up - not because he isn't addicted to music (he is), but because he doesn't always like practicing. Unfortunately my dh doesn't believe in paying his kids for around the house stuff, so he can't just earn money that way. We live in an apt. complex, and opportunities for "outside" type jobs are just about nil. Does this sound reasonable given the situation? I'm already panicking just thinking about all the piano stuff coming up, and the logistics having to use a friends piano to practice on.....sigh. Lets just say ds is NOT a happy camper right now, and his dad sure won't be when he comes home to an upside down keyboard. Any creative thoughts I haven't already had? He's had to pay back other less costly disasters before.

[Whisperlily]

Oh, my!

Did he pour the water on the piano, or accidentally spill the water?

I would take a few deep breaths first. Take a look at your son's face and see what kind of emotions are flickering behind those "immature for his age" eyes. And then wait until tomorrow. My guess is that the piano will work just fine.

And if it doesn't? Really ask yourself, is it the $$ factor that's the problem? Would you have reacted the same way if he'd spilled water on an important paper?

I fully understand that you're upset, and I don't disagree that there are consequences when accidents happen. But I think the price you're asking him to pay, is pretty high.

Breathe. It will be okay. Breathe. Hug your son and help him through the process, I'll bet he's devastated.

[Sue G in PA]

I mean, if there IS anything you can do. Perhaps all is not lost and it will drain and dry and be good as new? If not, my only question would be: Was there a known rule in place forbidding food and drink near the piano? If so, and he broke that rule by having water on the piano, then there should be consequences. Definitely. If there wasn't a clear rule in place re: food/drink near the piano then I would be hesitant to dole out harsh consequences, KWIM? Assuming the rule was laid out and ds KNEW about it and broke it...yes, by all means, there should be consequences. I tend to agree w/ the previous poster that your consequences *might* be a bit harsh. And believe me...I'm much like you...often too harsh w/ the consequences w/out taking into consideration the "heart" issues or other issues in play, KWIM? If you have to replace the piano...ds should have to help pay for it. It was probably an accident, but even so...IF the rule was in place and he broke it...he should have to help. Taking away all outside activities...hmmm...I see where you're thinking is, but perhaps don't take away ALL? Remove summer camps maybe b/c they tend to be costly and let ds know that you can no longer afford it b/c you have to replace the piano (IF you have to replace it at all!). Sorry so long...praying that the piano is okay tomorrow. FWIW...my ds took his Gameboy into the ocean with him unknowingly and at first it was not working properly after the water damage but a day later...it worked fine!

[Lolly]

We've had water on cell phones and gameboys. After giving them time to dry (depends on the amount of water), they have come back to life. The Gameboy that landed in the toilet took about 2 mths to dry out enough to work.

In the meanwhile, I'd try to have dh see that giving cash for chores and chores to pay off a debt can be considered different things. I'm not talking things you would expect him to help out with normally. I'm talking excess work that you normally would be doing yourself. Just for this incident.

[mktkcb]

Well, I'm breathing again.......thanks for responding. It WAS an accident, but there is a rule. We'll see how things sound in a few days. I have a friend no more than a mile away that will let us come at odd times and practice. We'll see how it all comes out in the wash. My son is praying for a miracle. I'll talk to the music store owner about odds of it being repairable. I've dealt with him for a long time, and he's trustworthy. For now it is sitting. upside down. Sigh....I reeeeally "wanted" an opportunity to schlep my kid back and forth just to practice. But Certificate of Merit is Sat., then coming up is the Jr. Bach competition, the Jr. piano festival, the mtac theme competition, his teacher's spring awards recital.......**sob**...... (and in case this kind of schedule sounds nuts to you, my ds LOVES to perform......literally, it's cake and candy for him. Practicing?? YUK!! Playing for fun?? Oh yeah!! Performing????? Bring it on!)
If the digital actually is irreparably fried, I think my son is just gonna hafta suffer through and learn a valuable lesson. He blows it big, but he does learn from big blows. He's my one that got hit by a car at age 8 because he just wouldn't wait for me to cross the street. He came off with nary a scratch, as the car had just turned the corner, but it scared him (and me!!) good, and he learned. We've been working on this attitude of his that he's had since day 1 that intent is everything, and if it was an accident, then it should be excused (yeah right). He has a tender spirit, and needs to know he is forgiven, so its been hard for him to understand the notion of "yes you are forgiven, BUT you still have XYZ consequences". He's my "diamond in the rough" boy. And yes, thats him up in my avatar giving me a sweet kiss. He will come out the end of this experience a wiser boy.

[Sue G in PA]

:) Your ds sounds a lot like mine. VERY tender spirit but will often blow it...big time! We are also trying to teach our kids that even though they are forgiven...the consequences still stand. God forgives us 100% when we ask, but often lets us suffer the consequences of our sin as a learning experience. Consequences are good. Too harsh though and you risk damaging that tender spirit and hardening their heart. Believe me, I've learned that the hard way. I've often doled out too harsh consequences and had to deal with hardened hearts after. Not pretty. I'm learning. Good luck with the drying process...praying the piano will be as good as new.