Eek DS2 has nicked his brother's birthday money - what to do?

[Toomuchtimeonmyhands]

Quick question as I'm trying to work out how to deal with this while kids are out! About a month ago DS1 lost a tenner of his birthday money. After briefly asking everyone in the house if they knew anything about it, cue discussion about carelessness, money doesn't grow on trees etc. etc. Then this morning, DS2 (12) is getting some money out to go to the shops & - lo! - DS1 recognises his tenner with the biro mark in the corner & (understandably) goes ballistic.

DS1 in floods of tears saying he knows he should have spoken up at the time but he knew we'd be cross etc. Clearly, that would have been nothing compared to with how cross I am about it now!

How would you handle this situation? I've kind of left it for now for them to talk about it among themselves but I feel I have to do something about it - not only the stealing but the lying. I feel really upset & wonder what else he might have done that I don't know about!

Any advice welcome. xxx

Has DS2 confessed?

Lots of stern talking to, I'd consult both of them in what do they each think is a reasonable punishment or way of making amends. Kids do daft things so I wouldn't want to get overly upset, but the DS1 needs to feel justice has been done.

Sorry, I'm confused. What should ds1 have spoken up about and why should he be sorry?

Surely ds2 should get a big telling off and be made to pay the money back?

Ah, guessing that should be ds2?

I'd make him pay back double and ground him from everything for a fortnight.

Just asked DSS13.

He suggests money go back and a consequence for lying to family /taking money and finding a way to make amends to other person. ..i.e. doing their chores

I would punish him, ground him, take away something etc, whatever you do and make sure he pays his brother's money back and make sure he knows it is completely wrong.

But my mother hates stealing, when my sister took money off our brother once. She took it from his money box, he had been saving for ages. My sister got in so much trouble she still remembers it as the time out mother was just really disgusted at her behaviour.

Needless to say my sister never stole again!

Oh and I would also apologise to ds1. He got the whole be careful with money speech and the whole time his brother had it.

Oh, thank you for all your comments & suggestions! And yes, I meant DS2 was in floods of tears - doh, obviously very emotional myself! Really like the idea of getting him to do some chores or something for DS1 to make up for what he's done - wretched child. And thank you for your v supportive comments - tbh I'm completely horrified about this so your collective commonsense approach is much appreciated! xxx