Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Shoplifting lessons
Today was a Walmart trip. I've sometimes wondered when this life lesson would have to be taught and today was finally the day. I should've seen it coming as Andrew and Izzy had both kept asking for candy all throughout the store. I kept telling them no, but they kept asking. In the checkout line, I thought everyone was helping to put everything on the conveyor belt but Izzy at some point in time found a valentine lollipop (I can't believe Valentine's stuff is out already.) We headed out to the car and I let Andrew and Izzy play on the horse in the exitway (just a special treat although I feel like people look at me weird when we don't put money in it. Oh well.=) I noticed Izzy holding onto her coat very carefully whereas normally it would've been the first thing tossed onto the ground w/out a second thought. I told her, "Just put your coat on the ground so you can climb up." Very carefully she layed it on the ground and checked back at it a time or 2 so I had to check to see what was up. I picked it up and out fell the treasured unopened lollipop. First I asked her if she knew what she did and yep, she knew she'd stolen it. When I asked why, she said, "I was soooooo hungry" as if I don't feed these kids.=) We went back into the store and I asked the greeter who we could go talk to since my daughter had tried to shoplift. She sent us to customer service and I was hoping that talking to someone and having to apologize to someone else would scare her. But nope, I think she was most sad because she didn't get the lollipop. The one lady behind the counter told Izzy that wasn't a nice thing she did but that she was proud she brought it back. This probably sounds terrible but I was wishing they'd been a little more scary. Oh well. We had a discussion in the car and a one-on one at home. When I asked if she was ever going to do that again she said, "I'll try not to." I guess she's learned that she shouldn't make a promise if there was the remote possibility of breaking it again. I'm not sure if she meant to steal something from the store, or a lollipop from the candy dish at home. What timing. We were just about to start this month focusing on honesty. (This year I'm planning to follow the 12 month program from "Teaching your children values" by Linda and Richard Eyre. and supplement w/ Brite Music cds and books.)
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4 comments:
oh goodness, that reminds me of my old shoplifitng days!! lol. I was like 6 or something, stole a pack of bubalicious gum, felt so bad that I buried in my back yard ...I never had the nerve to return it or apologize...my little guilty secret I've carried for all these years! lol. at least you caught Izzy and returned/apologized/etc. you're a good mom! In years to come she'll be so glad you noticed that jacket and discovered the hiding lollipop! =)
the 12 mo program you're doing, on values? was it? is it a book? hmmm, it sounds pretty good!
I meant to say my shoplifting DAY, not dayS. hee hee
Yes it's a book. Check out the library first to see if you like it. Each month you focus on a different value Honesty -- Courage -- Peaceability -- Self-reliance and potential -- Self-discipline and moderation -- Fidelity and chastity -- Loyalty and dependability -- Respect -- Love -- Unselfishness and sensitivity -- Kindness and friendliness -- Justice and mercy.
Each value has different ideas for different age groups on how to teach it. For ex. Preschoolers you first have to teach them what honesty and lies mean. Play the Is this true or not true game. I see w/ my eyes? True or not true? I have a dinosaur on my head. True or not true? Anyways, follow it in 12 months or just use the ideas when (or before) they arise. I like it.
Brite music brings back memories of my childhood. I am sure my day will come when I have to deal with a little clepto.
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