Did I do the Right thing?

[mazersteven]

So after all these reassuring posts about your actions. I have to ask you what you feel inside your heart. Did you do the right thing? What does your heart tell you?

 

[speakerman39]

Thanks for the kind words Phil. I think the kid does come from a broken home and may have some issues.Maybe he will learn his lesson...I hope...

You know Jamie, I asked a friend of mine why he is so patient when his kid is always getting into trouble. His response was quite simply referred to as "unconditional love". To be honest, that really hit me hard and made me want to be more like my friend. Further, he then told me his son mentioned to him that he acted out at times just to see if his dad cared enough to do something about it. In other words, the kid may have done what he done just to see if his parents cared enough to discipline him. My guess is, this kid is feeling real bad about what he has done. This guilt may inspire him to want to do better. Lets just hope that is the case.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[jamie2112]

I think I did the right thing. Phil brought up some good points as well. I feel like if he is already doing violent things at 14 he needs some help now before he turns into Ted Bundy or something. But yes Mazer,I feel in my heart that I did the right thing.Thanks to all of you for your reasuring words...

 

[jamie2112]

I really felt weird for calling the police as I have never called them on anyone before....

 

[Alex2507]

I really felt weird for calling the police as I have never called them on anyone before....

It could have easily gone the other way where they haul you off and that punk is perfectly aware of that. They are made aware of that. God and country can't touch 'em but life has a way of fixin' their wagons but good. Just be happy you're not locked up.

 

[Sheep]

You handled that better then I would have...

"Hey kid, what did the 5 fingers say to the face?"

*SLAP*

I've had to help out some neighborhood kids regarding bullies. Some situations ended up with 4 kids crying face down in the dirt. I'm bigger then you, smarter then you, and wayyyyy stronger then you. You're mouth isn't going to stop me.

Good work Jamie!

SheepStar

 

[jamie2112]

Thanks Sheep. I had a hard time keeping my cool but in the end it all worked out....well not for the toolbox...

 

[jostenmeat]

Jamie, I can't think of any other way you could have handled this better. Well done.

As you said, the only way to get guaranteed recompensation is by way of police. Done deal.

Then a kid like that (you say age 14?).... what are the chances that the parents know what they are doing? Maybe they are swell and have done an admirable job in giving the kid a chance to be upstanding, but I don't think the odds are extremely high...

The parents will be more harsh with this kid for having police trouble + destroying a bike, rather than just destroying a bike.

Physical revenge... well I know of those who have done that. But, they really are risking themselves to lawsuits and such. I know a guy who beat the crap out of a guy about to break into his car... with a crowbar. Yeah, he gets physically violent if you piss him off... but he's putting himself at risk too.

IMO, you did the most effective thing possible, and it took you greater effort to do it. The only thing more dramatic would be physical, but you risk regret... in more than one way. You abided by the law, and seemed to have acted according to your true self and philosophy. I just cannot see any way you could have handled this any better. And life goes on.

 

[Jack Hammer]

Over 3/4 of crimes are committed by juveniles. The number one cause of juvenile crime is poor parenting. If a 14 year old kids so far out of control that he has to resort to picking on 7 year olds, then talking to his parents is most likely an exercise in futility.

Unfortunately the juvenile justice system, though well intentioned, is fairly innefective. Calling the cops gets it on his record so when he does something more serious he doesnt get off as easy because its his "first offense."

Doing the right thing isn't always easy. In fact many times it's much harder than doing nothing at all or very little. Sounds to me like you did the right thing.

Jack

 

[markw]

Well, since you didn't lay a hand on him, I'd say you did fine.

I think it's time he and his parent(s) visit small claims court. Bring the kiddie witnesses as well.

Oh yes, press charges. You'll need that for the court case.

Maybe if mummy and daddums have to wipe the feces off his buttox they just might reign the little bahstahd in a bit.

 

[Rickster71]

Hi Jamie, I also think you did the right thing. Well done.


I'm curious, were the kid's parents called (by the police); did you meet them?
Was wondering if they were the "my baby wouldn't do that" types.

This kid sounds like he has anger issues. Some punishment and counseling would go a long way.
I'm a big fan of boot camps for delinquents. It builds character.

Never a dull moment...

Rick

 

[rnatalli]

You did the right thing IMO.

 

[itschris]

Jaimie, we litterally have exact same issue. We have a 14 kid in our neighborhood who has broken into cars and stole or neighbor's kid's bike. He went ballistic, found this kid in his backyard taking the bike apart. He called the police and had the kid arrested... for about the 5th time. The kid was out later that day.

The problem is, you can't touch the kid no matter what. You have way too much to lose. Should he enter your home or garage, then all bets are off of course, but beyond that, you can only do what you did. You did the right thing.

 

[Matt34]

The problem is, you can't touch the kid no matter what. You have way too much to lose. Should he enter your home or garage, then all bets are off of course, but beyond that, you can only do what you did. You did the right thing.

Yup, and the little sh$t's know it. I'm friends with a couple of the local PD folks and they were telling me about a group of hoodlum's harassing people outside Applebee's one night a few months ago. I guess stand in the way of people walking up to the restaurant and were cussing at them. Apparently one guy lost his cool and pushed one of kids. He ended up getting cited for it.

 

[pzaur]

The right thing was absolutely done. It's a sad situation that the child's parent's have put him in. I wouldn't be surprised if they use him as a pawn in their relationship and he has no stability at home.

On the flipside, if he's grown up without any real discipline then things are going to be really out of control in a couple of years or sooner. Definitely one to keep an eye on.

-pat