Real life situation…real life question:
I was at the store the other day, waiting behind two other customers to check out. While I was waiting, I watched a woman’s 2-year-old son grab bits and bobs from the “temptation racks.” He shoved two small toys in his pockets and rolled a piece of candy in the bottom of his shirt.
Neither his mother or the cashier appeared to notice. When it was time to leave, he quietly (with toys and hidden candy) followed his mom out of the store.
The child obviously knew he wasn’t supposed to take things – either because he knew he was stealing or because his mom had told him that he couldn’t have anything.
What would you do if you observed this?
Being the straight arrow that I am, I probably would have said, before the two left the cashier's desk: "Ma'm, you probably didn't notice, but your son has helped himself to a few goodies." Then it's up to the Mom and/or the cashier. I
Seeing as I have been on that mom end of the deal, I GREATLY appreciated when the guy behind me had given me a head's up. JJ was our issue and the guy tapped my shoulder and quietly informed me that my son had stashed some goods. When I asked JJ, he admitted with a sunken face. I made him put them back because we don't buy stuff from the temptation racks often. I would have felt AWFUL if we left and didn't return or pay for those items! *note – only happened once and he was so embarrassed about being called out that he hasn't done it since!*
So interesting! I have to confess that I didn't do or say anything, because I was paralyzed by indecision. THank you for your feedback!