A mum has sparked a huge debate online after forcing her children to pay for food out of their own money. The woman is demanding that her kids contribute their Christmas money after they 'stole' the 'good stuff' out of the fridge.
Taking to popular forum Mumsnet, the parent questioned whether she was being unreasonable for taking money from her children after they ate all the 'chocolate and crisps' out of the cupboards.
She explained: "I took their Christmas money to replace the sweets and treats they took. We do a big shop once a month and I buy all the chocolates/crisps and other cupboard bits for the month."
The woman went on: "These are for lunchboxes for the kids, my husband, and for picnics on the weekend (or pack lunches for days out), also biscuits and breakfast bars. You know, the good stuff?
"I did the shop on the first and by the third I thought, the cupboard looked a bit empty on the third (so two days) and by the sixth, I definitely knew something was up. The boxes of cereal bars were empty (but still stacked so at first glance there is non-missing), all the chocolate had gone, and the biscuits had been opened and eaten.
"My husband and I did a big clear out of their room and moved the furniture around. We found all the evidence, evidence which included loads of fridge snacks too. Frubes, cheesestring, baby bell which the wax has got stuck in the carpet.
"I was so p***** off I took the kid's Christmas money and have been using it to replace the items for my husband's lunch only. The kids are having no treats in their lunch and I'm only buying fruit.
"The reason we do a big shop is because I don't drive so I get a taxi once a month to keep costs down. (it's cheaper to shop at Aldi and pay £10 once a month than shop in Sainsbury's every week, so I bulk buy Aldi and top up at the more expensive shop). The kids have obviously been doing this for some time as there was so much rubbish behind and under the wardrobe.
"It's been two weeks since I took their money but I feel so guilty. They only get a little bit (it was £40 between them) and they are only nine and ten but, also they stole a month's worth of treats for everyone.
She added: "I don't even know if the lesson has sunk in because they have been eating loads of fruit instead now which is better but obviously costs more than chocolate bars and the price if everything is going up I'm wondering if I'm being too harsh."
Since sharing the thread, the woman's post has received over 250 comments to date - where people were divided over the mum's actions.
One person wrote: "If they're resorting to having to steal food, it doesn't sound like they're getting enough food :(."
Meanwhile, a second said: "I would be looking into why they have been taking food, not punishing them for it."
"What next?" A third questioned. "Charging them for flushing the toilet as they are using too much water?"
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