Ok - not quite sure what to do about this so would welcome all views on this one :o
DS's class teacher uses a system to reward good behaviour children - once they've received 25 stickers they get to choose a small toy/treat from a jar.
Tonight DS disclosed that his friend has been regularly sneaking into the classroom at breaktime and taking treats from the jar. His friend asked him to do it too and he did. He feels terrible and doesn't know what to do. I'm pleased that he felt he could tell me about it - but equally disappointed that he did it without thinking that it was wrong. Further questioning revealed that his friend has been doing it for a couple of weeks and another friend in their group has also done it a couple of times. He is convinced that his friend won't stop doing it.
He is distraught - he knows that the right thing to do is to tell the teacher, but he is petrified about the consequences - and falling out with his friends. He's quite a shy boy, a bit of a swot, and this is really out of character for him.
AIBU to make him tell his teacher about what he's done and take whatever punishment they deem suitable? This will of course mean that he also drops his friends in it.
Or should I let him try and talk to his friend to get them to stop.
Or should I speak to his friends' parents? I chat to them at the school dates but only as far as pleasantries.
DS is 8 so well aware of right and wrong. I work in the probation service so he is very aware of what happens if you steal/break the law.