My Son is a Thief

Hi Scott,

Today my 8-year-old son stole $40 from my 10-year-old daughter’s purse, and then shouted all his friends at the school canteen. I am not sure how to deal with this one correctly so that both of my kids learn a lesson. Any advice from one dad to another?

Ted

Hi Ted,

That’s a doozy, dude.

If it were me, I’d get my Judge Judy on, arrange a kitchen table court, and dole out some tough justice.

First, I’d give your daughter the $40 back — after all, she’s done nothing wrong.

But there may be a lesson for her: 40 bucks to a 10-year-old is like $500 to you and me, so ask her whether at least some of that money would be better off in a bank account. (If she says yes, all you need to do is create a separate online saver in your name, and nickname it after her.)

She gets a shiny new account. Win!

Then I’d tell your son that he needs to pay you back the $40 … plus interest. (Personally, I’d make him pay it back double … but my wife says I’m often too hard on my boys.)

Walking the dog, polishing shoes, taking out the garbage, whatever … until he pays off every single dollar.

The final lesson is for you: lock away the jam jars till payday!

Scott