How to handle kids stealing?
So no, I am not a parent, but am not sure where else to get advice. My boyfriend’s nephew (9) stole from me today. I have a small business selling trinkets and jewelry that I keep inside of boyfriend’s grocery store. Today I was sitting nearby when I saw his nephew put something in his pocket. Later, his dad found a fairly spendy ring he had taken from my display. About two weeks ago, he took $300 from his dad’s wallet to try to win a church donation competition. So I knew to watch him, but never thought he would steal from me.
I am very hurt and angered by this situation and feel the need to have a talk with him. I generally try to avoid disciplining these kids because they are not my own. I know I’ll discuss respect, hurt, feeling unsupported, and letting him know that he made me feel like he thinks I’m dumb because I wouldn’t notice. I was also going to touch on wanting to do things with him, but feeling afraid I couldn’t trust him around my things: in my house, car, near wallet. I also wanted to explain if there were things he really wanted we could work something out. I just really want to impact him enough to make him stop doing stuff like that and realize his actions have consequences.
Just wanted to add: I’m autistic, I have a tough time talking to kids because I struggle to relate/find topics. We haven’t ever gotten super deep, but have spent a lot of time together. I have known him since he was a baby.
Thank you