Am I raising a future thief??

[Worriedsick2003]

Just two days ago I recieved a call from my oldest child who is 12 years old. She had been coming from school with her 6 year old brother when they got into a shop to buy some candy. When she wasnt looking my boy had taken a candy and put it in his pocket. Fortunatley, an attendent in the shop had seen this and stopped him when they were going out of the shop. I reprimanded him, he said he would never do it again, but soon after that he was his old self agian. There was no real sign of remorse.
We leave in a fairly quiet neighbourhood and he does not get to play with kids of his age except at school. I am also pregnant and I was thinking maybe he is seeking attention or something?? Please help me, I am afraid if I handle this the wrong way from here on he is just going to become a menace to society. What should I do?

[Worriedsick2003]

Thank you so much for your responses, I have found some wisdom in all your responses. Sandman 2, I am mean to saying that he was his jovial self again and he seemed not to have the slightest worry about what had justed happened. I think you are very right about remorse though. If I understood you well, you mean to say they havent actually become as calculating as adults.

KimmieB505, please let me know about your progress with the counselor.

[KimmieB505]

Your son sounds like mine. My son has started stealing things from stores, family etc. He tries to lie his way out of it but finally admits the truth. He acts remorseful but as soon as he's out of the store or we walk away he's back to his normal self. I am also pregnant as well. My son has gotten worse since I got pg but then again he seems so happy about the baby.

I am fixing to take my son to a counselor since we can't seem to figure out what's wrong. I hope you find an answer soon. Hugs

[Sandman2]

I like Margypops answer.  I might add what do you mean, "he was his old self again."?
Did he steal again or just that he showed no sign of remorse?

Showing signs of remorse are over rated.  I  think a lot of kids have learned that by faking it, they get less punishment.  Adults certainly have learned this.   Deal with the situation and move on.  If it happens again, double the punishment.  If it happens a third time, then you need to start looking at other factors.

[margypops]

No it could have simply been a one off occasion, has the older one ever done this sort of thing,ask your 6 year old why he did it ,what made him put the candy in his pocket, perhaps make sure he is supervised whilst in any stores.Good Luck