Tucker's Brush With The Law

A Story

It was the day before Easter so Tatum, Tucker and I went to Fry's to get some flowers to bring to Jersey Girl Easter morning. We walked the looooong stretch to the flowers and along the way Tuck asked if he could have some candy. I told him no that we were there for flowers and nothing else. They picked the perfect roses, fully of color and fragrance.

We'd loaded ourselves in the car and are driving off when I heard a wrapper being opened. I looked back and Tucker was opening some candy. I asked him where he got it and he pointed to the floor of the car and said it was right there. I asked him again and he shrugged his shoulders. And then I realized where he got it. He stole it. My heart sank, I knew this would happen sooner or later. I asked him if he stole it and by the expression on his face I knew that he had. He knew it was wrong. We were still in the parking lot of the store so we parked and got out. Well, Tatum and I got out, Tuck refused. He would not get out. Wanting to teach him well and good for hopefully the first and last time I told him if he wouldn't get out I'd have to call the police. That got him moving!

We walked into the store and I explained to the greeter that my son had just stolen this candy and could we please talk to a manager that will scare Tucker a bit. He found one and she was good! She bent down to his level and told him her name. She asked his but he wouldn't speak. She asked him if he stole the candy. Again he wouldn't speak. I told Tucker that if we wouldn't speak to the nice lady she'd have to call the police and he'd have to talk to them. He started talking. She explained that stealing is dishonest and wrong and if he would promise not to do it again she would forgive him. He nodded his head and told her sorry. It ended with a high five and we left.

I hated going back in there, I hated feeling his elevated heart beat, I hated watching him squirm but it's a lesson he needed to learn. We didn't talk about it any more. I know he was forgiven and as a parent I also had to forgive. I hope he remembers this experience and learns from it. I won't be as nice the second time. Do you think they really would call the police on a 5 year old for swiping candy? THAT would be a story.