How to handle this

[mysticamethyst]

I am fuming at one of my kids right now, not exactly sure which one. One of them went into my backyard yesterday and totally cut to crap my giant aloe. When I do find out which one it is, pretty sure is my 14 or my 8yo; leaningn toward 8 because she has been a handful lately; what do I do? I am really mad about this; my plant only has a few stalks left and I don't understand why they would do this.

[Amy in NH]

Whoever did it should have to research plant care, specifically aloe, and nurse it back to health.

[Sue G in PA]

Make it a punishment/learning opportunity. If it is the 14yo who should know better than the 8yo...a FULL 3 page report (or more!) on Aloe plants, care and keeping, usefullness in ancient times and now, etc. AND, try to remedy the situation. If it is the 8yo, something similar in smaller-scale. Read books on aloe plants, write/narrate about some aspect and nurse plant back to health if possible. If not, perhaps some "slave labor" to work off the cost of replacement? I'm so sorry this happened. My dc are ALWAYS ruining things of mine (never of my dh's...just mine:mad:). It's so hard NOT to flip out and go overboard on the punishment...kudos to you for taking that "step back" and not over-reacting. I'm not sure I would have been able to do that right now:p.

[Joanne]

I am fuming at one of my kids right now, not exactly sure which one. One of them went into my backyard yesterday and totally cut to crap my giant aloe. When I do find out which one it is, pretty sure is my 14 or my 8yo; leaningn toward 8 because she has been a handful lately; what do I do? I am really mad about this; my plant only has a few stalks left and I don't understand why they would do this.

Sit them down. Say "One of you showed absolute disrespect for feelings and property with my plant in the backyard. I will be in the kitchen to discuss the consequences of that action with the child who did it. If you delay, you choose additional consequences".

Walk into the kitchen. When the child confesses, apply what the posters said above.

[mysticamethyst]

Well, I am going to have to get a new plant I am sure with the cold snap last night and it being exposed badly I am sure of its demise. But, yes slave labor will cover and a report is a great idea. Yes, they will spend time on report and raking I am thinking. Thanks so much, I just couldn't see the answer to this problem. You girls are really great.

[mysticamethyst]

It was the 8 year-old. I asked her why she did it and she just started crying and said I don't know; I dispise that answer. So,I will be having her rake the leave in the garden and then I will pay her, then she will go with me to spend that money on the new plant. She will also find out some info on the aloe plant and tell me what she learned about it tomorrow. Thanks again for the help.