11 year old losing things on purpose....

My friends son had been complaining about his cell phone for about a month. Last Friday it mysteriously disappeared at the library. He said someone stole it. His mom thinks he ditched it because he wanted a "better" phone. It was a pretty good phone for an 11 year old. Not a flip phone...

She got the phone for $10 on her plan. It was a deal she got last August. The cheapest phone now is $50. I told her to have him pay for the new phone out of his Christmas money. She said if he does get a new phone, it will be the same one he "lost". If he has to spend his money on the phone, do you think he will be more responsible with it or will it disappear too? He doesn't take care of his electronics very well so she refuses to get him a more expensive phone. I don't blame her..

He only got a cell phone because he moved up to another school and there is no after school program so he walks to the library most days. He has to call his mom to tell her where he is...

Message edited 1/29/2014 8:41:49 PM.

11 year old and cell phones

iwould think he would learn his lesson if he is made to pay for the new phone and he will see he isn't getting a better phone since its the same one as before. but with k ids, you never know, they might just not care...

Re: 11 year old and cell phones

If someone really stole it I would feel bad he had to pay gor another one out of his christmas money especially because at that age kids dont have a lot of money of their own to spend.

I would buy the same exact phone so he doesnt think he got something better if he really did get rid of it on purpose.

Re: 11 year old and cell phones

His mom definitely thinks he ditched it. Today his nice winter coat went missing.. He said he didn't want the same kind of jacket as his 8 year old brother. Same brand, not the same style...

Re: 11 year old losing things on purpose....

Sounds to me that the kid is slightly spoiled & clever.

I'd say no phone until he "works" to pay for it. An 11 year old can shovel snow, walk dogs, vacuum the house, etc. Do it during his free time. Maybe the entire weekend if he needs a phone fast. Check to see if the library has access to a pay phone.

With the winter coat, the season is almost over. He should be able to get by with the ugliest hand me down anyone can find layered with a sweater or 2. He can work for a new coat. Maybe sell some of his video games.

I think you are on the right track with your thinking...

Re: 11 year old losing things on purpose....

He is NOT spoiled.. Single mom working full time just to make ends meet. Not great living situation for him though (mom is trying her best)...
The coat mysteriously showed up today in his locker.. No idea how it got there he said..

Re: 11 year old losing things on purpose....

Could he be the victim of a bully and to ashamed to say anything?

Re: 11 year old losing things on purpose....