I will keep this as short as possible. I’m not looking for opinions on if I’m doing the right thing as such because this is new territory for me, more for support from anyone else who is going through/has gone through similar.
A few months ago I found out my teenager (14) was vaping and stealing money from me. I went hard, threw the vapes away, took any money he had, and made it clear if he stole from me again there would be clear consequences. I also took his games console and phone for a long time.
Recently I found out he had been vaping again, and I also found £40 missing from my purse. He’s adamant he didn’t take it, but I know deep down he has.
He said he is struggling with the nicotine addiction. Now, I hate that he has got himself in this situation and have done what I can to stop it. He’s clearly addicted and I have gone and bought low nicotine gum and patches, which say they are safe for 12-18 year olds. It’s not what I wanted to do but I want to help him to stop. The vapes he has been getting from people are school are high levels, and the NRT is much lower. I still don’t know if I’ve made the right decision but I’ve tried everything else, and I just want to help him stop one way or another. He’s getting hold of them at school. I have told school but have been told half the kids vape and there’s not much they can do, which is frustrating but I get it.
I have a major issue with stealing and lying. No matter what I take away he has done it again. He knows how disappointed, angry and upset I am at all of this. We work very hard like a lot of people do and I’m appalled that my child has taken from me again. I’ve had a thought of calling non emergency police to see if someone will come and speak to him. Previously he stole approximately £200 from me over a few months, here and there. I like to think we’re good parents and we are trying our best to instil morals in him and I don’t know how to approach it now we’re back here. I’m so hurt and let down. I’ve talked to him and he says he understands how upset we are, but he keeps doing it. I love my son but I don’t know how to cope with this. Has anyone else found themselves in a similar situation?