On Jan 19 we took the kids to the local indoor water park for a day of play. When we ended the day, we went to change out of our swim suits and realized someone had rifled through our bag, took Kevin's pants, which they then had taken to the dressing room, emptied everything in his pockets, stole his iphone, key to our safe, and military id, and then did a bunch more silly things that proved to us that this was just some kids who stole our stuff. So we reported it to the management, Kevin replaced his phone and we recovered.
Now today. Kevin is in India. He received a call today from a man who says he has his iphone, the one that was stolen. Apparently, the kid's dad found the phone and fessed up for his kid. The kid doesn't, however have Kevin's military ID or the key to our safe. I got an email from Kevin about this. So, now we have to decide how to handle this.
A) do we ask the kid and his parents to pay for the new phone we had to buy since his kid took Kevin's
B) Do we say he can shovel our driveway for the rest of the winter season
C) ask a policeman to have a little chat with this kid and make him formally apologize to the waterpark folks
What would you do?
I am battling back and forth because our actions do not go without consequence. However, the kid may be in a heap of trouble from his parents. Is his parents consequences enough? I know my parents would have made me pay for the stupid phone and apologize and I would still have reaped their punishment.
Any thoughts?
4 comments:
Glad you have to decide and not me. I have no clue how I would handle it. Good luck.
HMMM... did you share your feelings with the dad that fessed up about his son? If not, maybe contact him back and let him know how you feel. If he doesn't KNOW that you went out and bought a new one then he's thinking that you feel a sigh of relieve that it was recovered. If he knew then he might actually volunteer to pay for it. ALSO- contact the company that you bought the phone from. You have a grace period to return cell phones. Keep up up to date what your choice is... but I definately think you should communicate your feelings more.
I think I'd talk to the parents and get a feel for how they intend to handle it. No one (you or the parent) would do this kid any favors by letting the whole situation go. For all we know, you may be the only link this child has to see Christ. I'd take the opportunity to show him. Hold him accountable but with grace and mercy. You're smart, you'll figure it out....
I'm the mean teacher/parent...
I say all THREE look good to me!
Unfortunately his PARENTS should be reeling out the punishments- you shouldn't have to decide ANYTHING. They SHOULD know what you've been through and ought to pay any expenses that you incurred b/c of the child's escapades (and then, of course, pass those on to their son).
So sorry!
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