25-08-2007, 10:33 AM
sooibrand Wrote:Happy birthday to your son.
I would treat the stealing and birthday as 2 seperate issues and have him understand that.
Also the money stolen - opportunistic or not, must be paid back in full plus interest, plus any other punishment you think fit. Its best to nip this kind of behaviour in the bud - no way must he think he can get away with it and/or even think of trying it again. (In other words the punishment should/could be servere enough for him not to think it worth doing again - as make sure he understands that next time the punishment will be even worse)
Do enjoy his birthday and make sure he knows you love him, but under no circumstances condone his behaviour.
I think Sooibrand is making sense. If the victim of his stealing was a third party, I suspect you would perhaps have still celebrated his 16th birthday in the way you intended, so I think sooibrand's way of dealing with is good.
And also forgiveness is a great gift.
Wishing you all of the best in this difficult situation1