When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back.
Paulo Coelho
I don’t know why but today I remembered this little incident from several years ago and I want to share it with you.
Anja had a birthday and she invited some friends from the school. We planned to have a pool party but it was raining, so we decided to have a party in the house.
There were around 15 kids invited and they were playing just great. We had some games we prepared and just ate the cake. And when the party was coming to end I found some money lying on the floor. It was not small amount but rather large for the kid to carry around.
I asked them about it and nobody replied. But then Anja discovered that her allowance money is missing. I remembered to lock all my valuables (like purses, money, notebooks..), but really forgot about the kids’ money. And again the kids knew nothing about it.
Next day in the school a friend came to Anja and bring her some of the missing money. She explained that she was with another girl alone in Anja’s room and that this other girl suggested that they took money. When this kid refused the girl threatened her that they will not be friends anymore. So she took the money as well. But she brought it back. And after this discovery the other girl brought it back too.
Well, so far so good, you might think. But actually we were friends with the parents, so I called the mother of this little girl and explained the situation. She got really angry with me, suggesting that I made it all up. Her kid would never do anything like that. Ok, I understand that you protect and defend your child, but it felt more like lying to herself. She was actually telling her daughter that it’s no big deal and that we all are bad saying things like that.
What do you think? Did I do the right thing to tell her straight in the face? I think I did. I would be grateful if someone would have told me something like that instead of hiding it from me. I thought if I tell, she would have the opportunity to teach her daughter a valuable lesson. After all, she returned the money so there was actually no harm done.
What would you do if someone would tell you that your kid was stealing?
Please share your comments below…
I feel you did handle it properly. Our children are looking at us constantly to “learn” what is correct and moral behavior and stealing is never one of them. Yes, we protect our children, but by teaching them what is right…in the long run is their protection. I know it is difficult speaking to parents about their children but, it must be done. When I was about 4 or 5 I saw these beautiful purple flower buttons in the sewing dept. and I took them. My Mom discovered them, explained that it was wrong to take things that do not belong to us, took me back to the store and told the manager in front of me. Then, she bought them for me! But, I never forgot the lesson & never stole again!
Hi there may I use some of the information here in this post if I provide a link back to your site?
Yes of course. I would be honored. Thanks, Alenka