Does your teen steal from you?

[stirling]

Really at my wits end today. Despite for the past two years insisting that my DC (16 and 14) stop pilfering through my stuff and helping themselves to everything (never returning or basically just destroying stuff) - despite getting angry, being calm, getting emotional and trying every approach, they just go completely silent and then insolently continue.

I feel like a mad woman. I felt particularly bad when one of my envelopes from a client had been opened and a wad of cash was missing. I cried bucket loads because I couldn't accuse the client of short changing me, because of my kids always taking my belongings.
By this I mean everything - clothing, hair products, all stationary vanishes all the time etc...

I've just come back from a little break on my own to find so much missing.. I'm chronically ill and the ongoing stressors on my life exacerbate my illness.

Today I'm at my lowest point in a long time.

No they don’t
They know that the consequences would be far less enjoyable than the brief joy owning something of mine would bring.
It’s strange that both of them do it, I am not suggesting it’s your fault OP but there must be a reason why they do this and don’t fear the consequences

Thanks everyone.
ShinyHappyPoster you make a valid point and I appreciate your take on this