WOULD YOU PRESS CHARGES AGAINST YOUR OWN KID?

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Permalink Reply by Diana on March 29, 2009 at 11:23am

I think it depends on the situation. MAybe he's always given her a hard time and she thinks this is the wake up call he needs.

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Permalink Reply by Gabriella Parker on March 29, 2009 at 11:24am

It's better he learn the lesson now. Besides, the insurance company may not pay if charges are not filed. I have had lots of experience dealing with family members who have addictions to drugs and alcohol. It never helps to enable the person with the problem. It only makes their struggle longer and harder. If you really love them, tough love is the way to go.

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Permalink Reply by Jenny the Great on March 29, 2009 at 11:27am

It's a great way to teach kids the consequences of their actions if nothing else has worked.

Perhaps the previous discipline didn't drive the point home.

Granted, most kids are going to get in trouble for some thing or another before they're 18; if this was the first offense I think pressing charges is a bit harsh. If it wasn't and the mom was just fed up with the behavioural problems, then pressing charges is completely appropriate.

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Permalink Reply by Amy Brewer on March 29, 2009 at 11:30am

I would as a last option. The kid needs help. Sometimes that's the only way to help kids.

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Permalink Reply by saschab on March 29, 2009 at 11:32am

I think it's extreme, although I don't know the details. If the child has been in trouble previously and the family is at the end of their rope, it might be like an intervention. If not, I can think of all kinds of repercussions that can take place within the privacy of the family domain that would be consequence enough to teach the child a lessen. sitting in Juvenile Hall is one thing, having furthur charges being brought wouldn't be an option for me. It's too damaging to the child's future. It would be interesting to hear more details on why the mom believed this was the best option.

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Permalink Reply by Cristina on March 29, 2009 at 11:33am

There is no way I could press charges on my child. I know this mother is just doing what she thinks is right in hopes to teach him discipline for doing wrong, so I do not think she is an awful mother.

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Permalink Reply by Sarah Denton on March 29, 2009 at 11:37am

I think the other charges are enough I wouldn't want to alienate my child at a tough time when they need help to turn their life around

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Permalink Reply by Melanie Lee on March 29, 2009 at 11:38am

I give her credit for making a very tough decision. I have a friend whose son did exactly the same thing. My friend spent a lot of money to get him off. Shortly after that, he broke into his parents house. He was looking to steal from his own parents! His list of troubles with the law is continuing to grow while my friend spends big bucks getting him off every time. Obviously its not helping him to change. She is creating a monster by helping him get out of all these things.

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Permalink Reply by Rebecca D on March 29, 2009 at 11:39am

YES!!! If she does not she is enabling that behavior and it WILL repeat

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Permalink Reply by jcharles on March 29, 2009 at 11:42am

I don't think the mother is being too tough. Her son needs to know that there are consequences for his actions. It is better for him to learn now than later when the punishments will be even worse.

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Permalink Reply by jsp4zc on March 29, 2009 at 11:44am

I would press charges but only as a last resort. We don't have all the details on the story. Is this the first time the kid has been in trouble? If this is typical behavior for her son then I think she is helping him by scaring him. If this is a first time thing, I think she is going to far.

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Permalink Reply by mskayz on March 29, 2009 at 11:50am

I believe it would depend on the circumstances. Without knowing what this mother has tried to help her son straighten himself out I would have to say that he needs to accept the consequences of his actions!!

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