Money stolen from son’s wallet.

[mumof2littleguys]

So my 11 year old son just discovered that £300 has been stolen from his wallet in bedroom. All his hard earned money, Christmas money, birthday money. There was only £20 left? It’s driving me crazy. I know a friend has been in his room and my younger 8 year olds friend. Their doesn’t seem to be any other explanation? I have said I will give him the money back as he is so upset but it’s driving me crazy! Didn’t sleep last night and don’t want to think badly or think their friends took it! What would you do? 😢

Personally, I would call the parents of the kid who made that money comment and went upstairs. The probability is too high to ignore this. I would tell them that a fairly large amount was taken, which coincided with this kid being there and him acting suspiciously. You don’t want to escalate it if it can be sorted and the kid returns the money.

Grumpelstilskin
I have been thinking of mentioning to mother but just as a passing comment “ something horrible happened ... and he is v upset... driving me mad etc..’” but then it still seems excusing and I can’t do that as I have absolutely no idea it was him. Truly want to believe it wasn’t. I asked my husband in the middle of the night about it when it was keeping me awake and he said no. We will give him the money back, you don’t know anything, it isn’t right, it’s taught him and us a lesson. But ahhhh its so so annoying.

Leave some cash around next time the child you suspect comes round to stay. Maybe a handful of pound coins and a five in a little dish near the hallway etc.. See if any go missing. Not exactly proof, but may indicate sticky fingers.

You need to contact all the parents. Send a message saying this money has.gone missing, you aren't accusing anyone but have they noticed their child suddenly has access to money ?? And the option for it to be returned anonymously. If this was my child I'd want to know.

More so because your Ds needs to see you defending him. It may even be worth seeing if school can have a chat.

I'd be furious in your shoes, my D's has been saving for a particular item for years and has around £1000 saved up in a bottle in his room (( his choice, he won't put it in the bank )) this is around 4 years worth of Christmas and birthday money, plus any pocket money all diligently saved. He's foregone treats in favour of having the money for his fund. We don't have a great deal of spare cash and.im really proud of him and his determination.

There are no words that won’t sound like you’re suggesting that their child could be a thief, so just be prepared for that.

I might say “this is mortifying, and I’m sending the same message to 10 people who we’ve had visit recently (exaggerate to try to lessen the potential blame on an individual). I was too embarrassed at first to bring it up, as I don’t want anyone to feel that I was accusing individuals. My concern now though is that if one of X’s friends has taken it, then they have £280 which no-one would want their child to have access to without their knowledge. So please be aware!”

SkintAsASkintThing

That’s amazing. Please learn from my experience and put the money in a bank or somewhere safe.

Just thought I’d check my sons room and phone . There is a block on there with regard to viewing content. Apparently not with cartoons omg can my week get any worse?!

Could you say something like @Ellisandra said but ask if the child has hidden it as a joke but forgotten to tell him?

As a child I had some things stolen after a visit from a "friend". My mum mentioned to the other mother in front of the "friend" that I had been very upset to lose these things (a ring and a small toy) but she was hoping that they would turn up. And saw that the child was wearing the ring.

An hour later the other mother was on the phone saying that she had the things and would return them the next day. The value was nowhere near what your son has lost but the ring was irreplaceable as it had belonged to a dearly loved relative who had died as a teen and I had been given it by my grandparents.

I really feel for your son because I remember the hurt of knowing this child had taken it but feeling powerless to get it back.

How do you know your DH hasn't taken it to use for something? Have you asked??

Since you said your house isn't particularly big or flashy, the only reason for the rich comment sounds like it came from seeing the wallet. Either your son showed it to them, or the other boys were being nosy whilst he was out of the room...
Sending a text is a bit damning, is there a way you can engineer it into conversation somehow? Meet up for coffee or invite for another play date and drop it into conversation with the mum?

If your DH keeps saying he'll replace it and is against questioning your sons friends/their parents then do you think he could've taken it?

You post reads like you have decided who it is .

I am not sure what you mean about his phone but if you can’t access it . If you can’t view it then it’s removed at that age

We had a similar thread a couple of years ago with the money being taken from the sons money box/piggy bank.

I think it might have been the husband but can't remember.

Any update OP?