My son stole a candy bar when he was about 5. I marched him back into the store and asked for security. Turns out you have to be 10 to be a felon. I'm glad I know that 10 year olds will get into big trouble for stealing! And I was so disappointed when security was two boys in regular clothes. They might have been 20. Silly me for not realizing that is who does security-people who blend in and can catch thieves.
(I didn't want my 5 year old to be in jail, but I wanted him to know it was serious!)
I talked to the cop at Kohls about it a few days later, and he told me not to worry about it...that he had stolen a candy bar at that age too and now he's a cop!
He said it sounded like I'd let my son know it wasn't okay and that's enough.
Chronic stealing would be another issue though, and I'd want professional advice.
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NFp
Wife who is thankful to be in love....17 years
Homeschooling Mom of three....15 DD dancer and
12 DS mountain biker and 5 DD calico critter and dolly mommy
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9/2016