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My kids are 10 and 12. Last Christmas, we had our niece and nephew out for a visit along with my SIL. They're going through some crappy family issues right now WRT divorce and custody fights, but as far as SIL knows, they're doing OK. Well, my niece and nephew decided to relieve my children of some of their belongings while they were visiting. Not a big huge deal, my kids are spoiled rotten and have more than they need...but that's not the point. My kids did notice their stuff missing shortly after the others left.
So my 10 year old son calls up his 7 year old cousin, and says he knows just what to say..."Hey D., I hope you're having fun with my Lego men." D'oh, so the little guy admits to stealing...says he feels real bad and he'll give it back next time he sees my son. They live about an hour away so it'll be a while. Actually, never, most likely.
Having been victims of theft, I seriously doubt my children will ever steal anything themselves. They know, it hurts.
Perhaps empathy is an important thing to teach, right alongside ethics.
Prayers for you all, who have misbehaving, thieving children -- I was one, myself. In 1978, I stole Yoda! Got caught, too. Had to give him back and apologize and all that....to this day I can't stand Star Wars. I think that's why!
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