Mom Calls Police On Own Son

by Myra Turner | More from this Blogger

I had to look at my calendar to make sure it was December and not April 1st. When I came across this story I was certain it was a joke but apparently it's the real deal. Seems a South Carolina mother called the police on her own son. That's not that unusual, many parents turn their own kids in for crimes. But what is so amazing to me about this story is the crime itself. The crime was, get this, opening a Christmas present early.

The police actually arrested the kid and charged him with petty larceny. The boy's great grandmother was quoted as saying "He took it without permission. He wanted it. He just took it."

The gift in question? A Game Boy Advance. The boy's mother found the package unwrapped and empty under the tree. She then asked the child if he opened it and he lied to her. So she then threatened to call the police and the kid fessed up. But the mom called the police anyway. Although, the kid was not jailed he was charged with petty larceny and will have to make a court appearance.

The boy's mother says she is "at the end of my rope" with the child and does not know what else to do with him. She says she can't handle his misbehavior and misconduct which includes shoplifting, stealing money and punching a police officer. She also reports that she plans to place him in custody of the state Department of Juvenile Justice in Colombia after his court appearance.

Now, I understand how frustrating it is being a parent. I've even threatened to send Tyler to live with his father if he does not shape up but I can't see calling the police and having my child arrested for something as petty as opening a present early. Technically, wasn't it his anyway? There's obviously something wrong with the kid if he's shoplifting and doing all this other stuff and it's the moms responsibility to try and find out what's going on. Maybe she has the right idea about turning him over to the state since she seems ill-equipped to handle his behavior and misconduct. Then again, I've seen first-hand how some kids in state custody turn out (I worked for three years for an agency that provided services to these kids). And I certainly don't think I'm better at parenting than the next guy but still I find this to be both bizarre and troubling. Now the kid has another offense added to his record.

That's my opinion. Anyone else?

See also:

The Help Me Be Good Books-- Joy Berry

Why Is My Child Doing THAT- Understanding Misbehavior

Discipline Do's and Don'ts

Learn more about Myra Turner

I'm a proud mid-life single mom with an active seven-year-old son, Tyler.

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