It is a human nature to let go of a simple error if the result outweighs the error a million times. Obviously, the reason why the mother gets angry is because the son stole the money and lost it to gambling. In your given question, since the kid can give back the stolen money with interest, I am sure even stranger will forgive the kid and will receive the money with a smile. Probably that stranger can even hug the kid that gives back the money with huge interest. What more if you are the mother, for sure the kid will probably give you the whole winning amount. So is there a reason to get angry in such a situation that you asked?
It depends on the parent's perspective. Perhaps you believe that stealing money is a forgivable offense, or you are the type of parent who is quick to forgive their child for such a mistake.
quote author=serjent05 link=topic=5482355.msg63609212#msg63609212 date=1707005271]
The thing is the kid gives back the money he stole with an interest. The thing here is returning the money. As a parent, a simple theft can be forgiven, and forgiving does not condone the action but rather giving the kids another chance, plus the fact that the kid returned the money means he knows his mistakes and wants to correct them by returning the money.
I don't know if you have something and returns back is something to be called business so, if you are more interested of the income the young boy returned a stolen money with, it absolutely sounds like his theft act is encouraging and you hail's him for the profitable business being well done.
There is no level of corruptible manners that should be tolerated from kids for too much tolerance and pampering with the kids when they are on the wrong deeds is courageous to do worse in advance so, even if they would be forgiven it shouldn't make them (kids) feels the offense they committed was a minor.
So what do you want to do with the kid? jail them or beat them up because they stole a small amount of your money? I think that is a harsh thing to do as a parent. Reminding/scolding them that stealing is not a good act is enough. Besides, if you beat up your kid as a parent, you will be charged with child abuse, and that makes the scenario worse.
There is no amount being too small nor big to discipline a child caught on the act of stealing. Belittling the value of theft they child indulgences into is proportional to asking the child to commit a bigger before being charged for offense of criminality.
I agree that at times, sitting a child down and talk to them about their wrong deeds is a good idea because most children grows hard and mean to whatever then wanted due to how hash they were treated at their young age as a course of disciplines but that doesn't mean you would spare the rod else the child is spoiled.