[The Old Bag]

I'm too angry to think right now so after opinions on what others would do in this situation.

On our way home from holidays at the beach, we stop to pick up our dog from the boarding kennel. I'm having trouble wrangling a very happy German Shepherd and ask DS1 to take care of what I'm holding. .. my purse and the receipt. He looks suitably chuffed by the responsibility.

100km later we are home and discover DS1 left my stuff on the roof of the car. It's not there anymore. My purse contained the usual life story, all my money until payday, and a $100 gift card for my mum.

To say I'm ropable is an understatement, DS1 is wisely reading quietly in his room while I think.

I do accept I should have double checked but I expect better from DS. I'm also quite sick which has lowered my patience so. .... over to EB for some perspective! WWYD?

Eta he's not quite 9.

This post has been edited by The Old Bag: 29/01/2013, 03:34 PM

[JRA]

Tough one.

I cannot count the number of times my mother left her purse on top of the car. So I am probably not the best to comment.

ETA: She was 40 when she had me!!!!

This post has been edited by JRA: 29/01/2013, 03:35 PM

[SarahM72]

I think it is your fault for not checking. No punishment for kid.

[bakesgirls]

I think your purse is your responsibility, not your sons. I get why you're upset, but it was not your son who decided to draw out every cent you had until pay day, so I don't think he should be held accountable for that. I think your anger is misplaced OP.

This post has been edited by bakesgirls: 29/01/2013, 03:49 PM

[namie]

I've done it myself. Twice. First time in my late teens it flew off the roof of mum's car and ended up in the gutter at the supermarket and was picked up by a lovely couple who drove an hour out of their way to deliver it to my house (address listed on driver's licence).

The second time, approx 2 years ago, I found it on the roof of my car prior to leaving the carpark, thankfully.

I don't think you should punish him, it was an honest mistake, and it was your purse to be responsible for.

[Autumnal]

I agree, your responsibility.

[amabanana]

That sucks, OP!

Surely, he didn't do it on purpose. If he obviously feels bad about it then I would think that is punishment enough.
Maybe get him to sit with you when you make all the phone calls you have to make and see what is happening because of his mistake? That should be pretty boring and give him some time to think about it.

Depending on your home insurance policy you may be covered for some of that stuff. I know I am but I have a very comprehensive policy due to the fact that I may or may not have done that very thing in the past.....

Maybe also try ringing the kennel and get them to check their driveway and if they are kind they might even go for a walk along the road near their property. I know I would do that for someone if they lost their wallet and lived 100ks away.
Good luck.

[Quattuor Genitri...]

I've done this twice in my adult life. It is accidental, and if it were my 9 year old son he would feel awful. Punishment enough. Sorry but I agree with the majority here your purse, your responsibility.

[raven74]

I think he is probably punishing himself right now - disappointed and angry mum, him being upset at himself etc.
I think you ought to explain to him that while you are angry and upset it was not entirely his fault and that you take the responsibilty too.

[Bodacious Prime]

He was careless and inattentive, pretty much expected at that age, IME anyway. Not worth a punishment but perhaps natural consequences like "sorry mate, can't afford to buy/do that for a while until we can afford it again".

ETA
I once left my 21st birthday cake on the roof of the car. I had no idea until after I got home.

This post has been edited by Bodacious Prime: 29/01/2013, 03:49 PM