What should I do about DD1 (8) stealing chewing gum?

[mygirllolipop]

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My brother did this at about the same age; my gran made him take the sweets back to the shop, tell the shopkeeper what he'd done, and pay for them.

Not sure I understand why you'd rather she write a letter; I think the idea of facing the situation and making appropriate apology is fair enough.

Anyway, it's what I'd do!

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I'd take her back to the shop so she could say sorry - she will be mortified and it may make her stop and think next time

I'm with making her go in and face them. but you could phone the shop yourself, explain, apologise etc and tell them you're coming in and could you see the manager. Otherwise your dd will be at the front of the checkout queue trying to apologise to some member of staff who probably couldn't care less and just wants her out of the way.

take her back. but do explain that the shopkeeper has to paybills too. rather than an isolated act of embarrassment for the child.

I'd not come down too heavily on her - at least she admitted it, if your dh goes ape she might think differently next time she does something naughty.
Completely agree with taking her back to the shop to own up and apologise - it seems like a fair and logical consequence.

and don't go apeshit - or next time she wont admit it - and tell her she did right thing lots of praise.

You have to take her back to the shop and make her hand them back. She should also pay for them and say sorry.

snap custy

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When I used to work in a toy shop 9a few years ago) we had a child brought in who had stolen a 99p toy. We were really impressed that the parents had made him return it and apologise ... until he had apologised and they bought him a new-musthave Pokemon toy for bring so good and apologising What did that teach him???

I do agree it is a good thing to make her take it back and apologise but then please don't reward her for doing so!!