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Does the punishment fit the crime?

Becky - posted on 07/22/2012 ( 3 moms have responded )

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Last week my 8 year old son went out to the desert with a friend and some matches they found and while trying to light them started a fire. They did run for help and ran and told the owner of the closest house. And no one was hurt. It took about an hour for the firfighters to put it out. But then they lied about it. My son told me a complete story of lies. When my husband seperated the boys and talked to ours alone he admitted it. I was just devastated. I am not sure on how severe the punishment should be obviously it was life threatening and not a "little" lie. I am struggling with not allowing him to have a birthday which my husband believes he doesnt deserve. I want him to learn from this,(the fire fighters offered a fire safety class which he will take but just wanted to get some advice from other moms. Thanks

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Dove - posted on 07/23/2012

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Taking away his birthday really doesn't make sense to me. A fire safety class, showing him pics of burn victims, forest fires, etc.., and not allowing him unsupervised time (mainly for the lie... can't trust him to stay out of trouble or be honest about it) for quite a while seems more appropriate to me.

Michelle's idea is a good addition to what I've said. :)

Becky - posted on 07/23/2012

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That is a great idea Michelle! Thank you so much! LOVE this site so helpful to get other moms advice!!

Michelle - posted on 07/22/2012

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being that he is 8 I don't think he fully understood the consequences of what matches can do, kids this age are curious. I think the fire safety course is a great idea and as for the birthday I would still have the party but instead of presents ask people to make a donation to the local burn unit this will let your son see how much devastation a fire can be, that or donate it to a district that has been devastated by a forest fire.

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