My daughter and her freind went to the mall on Sat. and stole some items from American Eagle. They were not caught at the mall but by me at home when i caught them trying to remove sensors. I have contacted the other childs parents and we have agreed that the girls have to return the merchandise to the store and face the consiquenses. They are both scared to death.. my daughter to the point of being sick. I have already talked to the manager and the police are not going to be called ( the girls don't know this). The girls are both 12 are we being to hard?
2007-03-19 07:35:34 · 23 answers · asked by GI 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
Hats off to you both! there are many parents in todays world that would condone such behaviour, probably not because they support it but to avoid shame and embarrassment to themselves. To me there is absolutely no shame in doing what you are about to do because this is what being a parent is all about.............teaching them through our actions what is right from wrong and believe me, now they know how far they can go where you are both concerned. I would also have them write a letter of apology addressing the store manager. At least with them you realise they are fearful of the consequences because some children who are caught stealing don't even show remorse. This is definitely a good thing and don't think for one second you are too hard on them, if they can do the'crime' they will have to pay the 'time'. Thanks again for being such great parents.
2007-03-19 08:52:03 · answer #1 · answered by redz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
GOOD FOR YOU! I think the path you are taking is perfect. The girls need to know the repercussions of their actions. And that if it happens in the future that they WILL have to deal with the police. I suggest they also write a letter of apology to the manager of the store. I worked retail at the mall for several years and kids who got away with stealing from us at 10, or 12 were still doing it at 15 and 16. By then they had moved on the stealing bigger more expensive things too. It's good that you are taking this so serious while they are still young.
2007-03-19 07:54:00 · answer #2 · answered by Connie B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO, not at all. I think you are setting a good example for your child. It's best to nip something like this in the bud before it gets out of hand. Because if she was to get caught at 16 or older she might be prosecuted and be in worse trouble. I commend you on doing such a thing instead of just telling her what she has done wrong and then brushing it under the rug, you are showing her what she has done wrong. You are doing a really good and brave thing may I add and you and your daughter will thank you for what you have done in the future. Your daughter will only become a better person for what you have done. Thumbs up to mom!
2007-03-19 08:16:49 · answer #3 · answered by sweetme35 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not at all. If you don't teach them right from wrong now, they'll never learn. It's a good thing they got scared. That means now they know better and probably won't do it again.
sometimes parents can be a little rough on their children, but certain things, like stealing should be delt with seriously otherwise it may become a serious problem.
If you're still bothered by your decision, maybe you should have a talk with your daughter and explain to herwhy you did what you did. Maybe then she'll understand the consequences of her actions.
hope that helps
2007-03-19 09:06:02 · answer #4 · answered by jade101 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, if you were to be lenient they would get the message that its OK
When I noticed my 4 year old walked out of a store with an item I didn't pay for, I took him back and made him give it back to the clerk and apologize. I could have just dismissed it and got in my car and drove off, but I wanted him to know the right thing to do.
2007-03-19 07:44:23 · answer #5 · answered by kmunis 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you're being too harsh. I think the scare would do them some good in terms of teaching them a lesson and letting them know that their actions have consequences. Better not to tell them the store managers are going easy on them and let them sweat it out, apologize profusely, swear they'll never do anything like this again, etc.
It's the best way for them to learn, again, like I said and like you said above, that they have to face the consequences of their actions.
2007-03-19 07:44:10 · answer #6 · answered by Lexie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Congrats to you for teaching a very valuable lesson and sticking by your decision!
Trust me...she will thank you when she has children of her own and finds herself in the same situation!
I think your punishment is just and fair. Especially since you have contacted the owner and know what the consequences will be in advance.
Just make sure she understands the who, what and why to prevent her from doing it again...Talk is the best form of parenting!
2007-03-19 07:44:54 · answer #7 · answered by Older Sister 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, I stole stuff at 12 and got caught at the store. The cop was called but didn't press charges. That scared me straight about shoplifting.
2007-03-19 07:57:18 · answer #8 · answered by sweet_cincin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. I have a 12 year old girl also and if she got caught stealing I'd do what you're doing and ground her for at least a month.
2007-03-19 07:49:09 · answer #9 · answered by butthead smurfer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No! I think you handled it perfectly. They should also get punishment at home such as grounding and taking away of privileges. They have to know that their is consequences for their actions. If behavior like that continues they would end up in jail one day.
2007-03-19 07:49:10 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋