Rhonda: I only had one child and that's a "she", so I really do not know much about boys, other than my brothers; the oldest was a "destructor" . Mom had to take him with her anywhere she went because he would hit us, break things in the house, terrorizing us all the time.
Some girls tend to behave like boys do, my daughter since early age knew not to throw things at people or destroy things; while in elementary school, one of her best friend would get in trouble
all the time, but my daughter never followed her. I remember the friend got in big trouble right outside church in the parking lot; she broke one of the parishioners windshield by jumping on the hood, the top and finally landing on the windshield. By the way all the girls were supposed to be in church, just like the rest of us.
This is a good time to talk to your son and explain to him that nothing good would ever come of destroying property, and to not follow or imitiate "friends"
He's really young to completely understand what he did, he probably thought that it was fun to throw rocks and meant nothing by it. He never imagined that a windshiled would be broken and he was going to be one of the culprits.
As far as paying 1/3 of the cost to replace the neighbor's windshield, am in total agreement with you. I hope the other parent's children are as reasonable as you are. Not knowing who actually throw that specific rock that broke the window, this is the best way to settle this dispute, and hopefully resolve the situation w/o hard feelings. The kids pay the price when they are told they can no longer hang out with the neighbors kids. I hope this is not the case. Maybe am a little too easy uh???
I really do not know what punishment would be the best giving his age, but other moms have offered you great ideas, it's up to you to impose the best remedy you think fits the "crime".
I'm sure he's an adorable 6 yrs old. Keep on talking to him though, children need to understand at early age the difference between right and wrong.
I would be more concerned about this repeating all over again; than punishment itself.
Sending you positive vibes and a BIG hug and a kiss to your little one.