I agree with mommamac. An eight year old is old enough to learn that we need to make restitution when we cause loss to others.
Originally Posted by mommamac
I think you were lenient - I would have taken him & his piggy bank to the store, have him find the cost of the item & buy it for his brother. If his bank didn't have enough, then I'd have him then 'work' to earn the difference.
Kids need consequences that fit their actions - like the sign in some stores: 'if you break it, you buy it!'