BarbMoore wrote:
These youngsters broke into a house and vandalized it. Again...Where the HELL were the parents???
Unfortunately, I doubt that it wouldn't have made a difference if they were at home or at work. If the parents hadnt set in place a framework of accountablity, these kids could have vandalized their OWN homes and no one would have noticed until it was too late.
When parents/caregivers start the Q&A some of us grew up with, things like this wont happen. For instance:
1. You want to go where? I'll need that phone number first, so I can talk to an adult.
2. They dont have the number or you dont know it? Well, I'll be happy to drive/walk with you over there so i can meet that adult.
3. I'll call or come by <on my way home at lunch>. If you want to change locations before that, please call me first.
THEN parent, follow up. Go over once during the child's visit to this home or event. Check up on your child. Trust is built when they comply, If they don't the penalty is stiff, and swift. it wont take long to make a lasting impression.
Advice to the parents of THESE kids: make arrangements for the kids to go back to that house with trash cans, paint, etc to clean up what they've done. When they see that they have to spend 'their'time repairing the damage, it wont look nearly as fun next time. When professionals have to be called in (window/door repair, etc) the child is expected to be there working on something as well. They need to SEE what it takes to fix what THEY messed up.
Still arent convinced? Make them pay restitution. Dont split the amount among the kids, hit each of them for the total cost. They all had a part in the WHOLE crime. So much for their summer spending money. Got a family vacation planned? Have an idea of what each of your kids will be spending on souveniers? Sorry Susie, your spending money is spent. July Birthday? Should have thought about that before you made the other family spend THEIR childs birthday money to repair the damage. YOUR money, susie/johnny goes to pay this off.