Stealing Sweets (IMO)

[LomotheGreat]

I want to put it out there that I am not assuming friends child is awful/naughty. Maybe a bit sly. I am also under no illusion that my child is perfect.

During the summer hols we decided our child of nearly 8 years old could start playing out in the cul-de-sac on their bike, etc. Child made a friend few doors down (similar age). They seem to get on like a house on fire but I feel friend is a bit of a leader and my child is easily influenced. Anyway, on a couple of occasions, they have asked for sweets. No problem. But they have then helped themselves to more (quietly sneaking to the treat box in the kitchen). I told my child it's not okay to take without asking. Said treat box is out of reach now. (Lives on top of the kitchen cupboards). Today they asked for sweets. They had a few each. I heard a bit of messing around in the kitchen and when I checked, all sweets except one had gone. There wasn't loads left, but I'm annoyed that they didn't ask. I wouldn't have put two and two together if my microwave hadn't have moved. 🤷🏻‍♀️

I know kids test boundaries and that's how they learn right from wrong, but I'm a bit miffed that they have done it again. In my opinion it is stealing if you don't have permission.

My child only has one other good friend from school and this doesn't happen if they are at my house.

I feel like there should be consequences, but I'm also not sure if I'm being OTT.

I only have one child so I'm never sure what is normal behaviour for their age group...

I think the consequence should be tgat you stop buying sweets. You can always get your DS a small bag occasionally but I would stop keeping them in a treat box in the house. That seems like a natural consequence for both of them.

Thank you for your reply.

Maybe the treat box should go. And actually, they aren't treats because they are always available.

So I think since you mention the microwave had been moved sounds like the sweets are stored somewhere that could possibly cause an accident with them trying to reach them. So the first thing you have to do is stop hiding them somewhere like that. If something falls on one of them or they hurt themselves getting the sweets you'll never forgive yourself for being so careless. Whether that means you no longer but sweets or not is for you to decide. This is just kids and come on we all have problems with self control, can you honestly say you've never eaten too many chocs, biscuits or a glass of wine too many? That is human. Kids are human. Police it if you must but don't go over the top

He can obviously still have sweets, you could maybe buy them from the shop on a Friday on the way home from school or have a little bag waiting for him.