The one time I had a parent pay for something was when I'd been having issues with a child and deliberate disobedience. In this particular case I'd just reminded him not to smash something and was walking towards him to "assist" him in making a good decision
when he broke the item. Not a major one but more to make the point. In this case because I saw what happened, was intervening when it happened and know it did not happen due to normal wear and tear, I had the parents pay.
But typically I chalk it up to wear and tear.
Though as my own kids are getting older and no longer at the age where it could just as easily be them making the mess/causing the damage, I find my patience for it wearing thin.
