10 Y.O. Steals and Destroys $200 Worth of Makeup; Older Sibling Asks If It Would Be Wrong to Ask to Pay Her Back Using Birthday Money

"She stole and destroyed nearly $200 in makeup and lied to my face about it. The worst part is I've only been living here for three weeks!"

Living with younger siblings can test your patience in many ways. They have a knack for getting into your stuff and causing chaos when you least expect it.

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In this particular Reddit story, the frustration is palpable as a 24-year-old returns home to live with their 10-year-old sister. Younger siblings have a way of leaving their mark on your belongings.

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In this case, it's the bathroom counters covered in slime and spilled wax. But it doesn't stop there; they can also be masters of deception.

When the older sibling couldn't find their makeup, they believed it was lost in the move. Little did they know, their younger sibling had a hand in its disappearance.

It's moments like these that can make you want to pull your hair out, right? The mix of irritation and disbelief when you discover your cherished items damaged or missing is all too familiar to anyone with younger siblings.

In this scenario, the older sibling is left wondering if making their sister use her birthday money to make amends is the right course of action or if it's just adding to the sibling rivalry. True enough, sibling relationships can be a rollercoaster of emotions, with annoying moments like these mixed in with love and understanding.

Just take a look at what happened here...

Back home for trade school at 24, OP shares a bathroom with their 10-year-old sister. Found a mess and talked to parents about boundaries.

Back home for trade school at 24, OP shares a bathroom with their 10-year-old sister. Found a mess and talked to parents about boundaries.Reddit
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OP missed a date due to lost makeup, but the sister claimed innocence. They ended up spending $100 to replace concealer and foundation.

OP missed a date due to lost makeup, but the sister claimed innocence. They ended up spending $100 to replace concealer and foundation.Reddit
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But OP found her old makeup among the new purchases and asked Mom, who denied touching it. There was obvious leakage; Mom suspects the little sister and searches her room.

But OP found her old makeup among the new purchases and asked Mom, who denied touching it. There was obvious leakage; Mom suspects the little sister and searches her room.Reddit

Understanding Child Behavior

Children often express their emotions through actions rather than words, which can lead to misunderstandings about their intentions.

Child development experts emphasize that destructive behaviors, like stealing, are often cries for attention or expressions of unmet needs.

Research from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry indicates that children may struggle with impulse control, which can result in actions that seem irrational.

Mom searches the sister's room and discovers missing makeup, Mom's items, slime, paint stains, and stolen belongings.

Mom searches the sister's room and discovers missing makeup, Mom's items, slime, paint stains, and stolen belongings.Reddit

Turns out her sister destroyed our makeup, mixed palettes, paint in brushes, and mashed lipstick, all covered in slime. She denies using any, which is an obvious lie.

Turns out her sister destroyed our makeup, mixed palettes, paint in brushes, and mashed lipstick, all covered in slime. She denies using any, which is an obvious lie.Reddit

Parents grounded her and offered to repay, but OP wants her sister to cover the beauty bill. Considering using birthday money—fair or not?

Parents grounded her and offered to repay, but OP wants her sister to cover the beauty bill. Considering using birthday money—fair or not?Reddit

This scenario also raises questions about parenting strategies and the importance of addressing behavior rather than just the consequences.

According to studies published in the Journal of Child Psychology, focusing on understanding the root causes of behavior can lead to more effective discipline strategies.

For instance, teaching children about the value of possessions and empathy can foster better decision-making in the future.

Parents suggest chores for the sister to repay, but OP already does more chores and pays rent.

Parents suggest chores for the sister to repay, but OP already does more chores and pays rent.Reddit

An edit from OP:

An edit from OP:Reddit

And here's a TLDR:

Scroll down to see what people had to say!

And here's a TLDR:Reddit

Practical Strategies for Parents

To address the situation constructively, the older sibling might consider having a calm conversation with the younger sibling about their feelings.

Encouraging open dialogue can help the younger child understand the impact of their actions and promote empathy.

Research suggests that discussions about emotions can enhance emotional intelligence and lead to better behavior choices.

Let parental court decide if birthday money covers the cosmetic chaos. Fingers crossed for a glam resolution!

Let parental court decide if birthday money covers the cosmetic chaos. Fingers crossed for a glam resolution!Reddit

At least these parents don't major in excuses. Wallets open faster than alibis—a rare breed!

At least these parents don't major in excuses. Wallets open faster than alibis—a rare breed!Reddit

Parents are handling it smartly—teaching lessons without breaking the bank. Sister's losses and birthday gifts are in the spotlight.

Parents are handling it smartly—teaching lessons without breaking the bank. Sister's losses and birthday gifts are in the spotlight.Reddit

Additionally, involving children in problem-solving can empower them to take responsibility for their actions.

For example, discussing ways to 'make it right' could help the younger sibling understand the consequences of their actions while promoting accountability.

Research indicates that children who actively participate in conflict resolution develop stronger social skills.

Sis on a stealing spree—must've learned a magic trick or two. Time for the parent detectives to unveil the backstage drama!

Sis on a stealing spree—must've learned a magic trick or two. Time for the parent detectives to unveil the backstage drama!Reddit

Mom's on the makeup case, but tapping a 10-year-old as CFO? That's a budgetary wizardry level-up!

Mom's on the makeup case, but tapping a 10-year-old as CFO? That's a budgetary wizardry level-up!Reddit

No need for a birthday budget brawl!

No need for a birthday budget brawl!Reddit

Teaching Values and Responsibility

It's also crucial to set clear expectations about respecting others' belongings and the importance of honesty.

Creating a family discussion around these values can reinforce positive behavior and accountability.

According to child development specialists, instilling values early on can guide children in making better choices as they grow.

Parents pulling a birthday-budget payback? That's some next-level discipline!

Parents pulling a birthday-budget payback? That's some next-level discipline!Reddit

Lesson: Play with models, pay with moolah!

Lesson: Play with models, pay with moolah!Reddit

"Parents are responsible for their underage children's actions."

Reddit

OP's on a punishment spree, but at this age, it's a parent party, not a sibling showdown. Save the drama for the family saga!

OP's on a punishment spree, but at this age, it's a parent party, not a sibling showdown. Save the drama for the family saga!Reddit

A month in kid-time is like a sentence to Alcatraz! Scheming for her funds? That's a one-way ticket to the sibling naughty list.

A month in kid-time is like a sentence to Alcatraz! Scheming for her funds? That's a one-way ticket to the sibling naughty list.Reddit

She's 10, but theft, destruction, and a lie trilogy? That's a pint-sized heist drama.

She's 10, but theft, destruction, and a lie trilogy? That's a pint-sized heist drama.Reddit

In the midst of sibling shenanigans, they've come to realize that sharing isn't always caring, and younger siblings have a knack for turning their world into a whirlwind. But hey, it's all part of the wild and wacky sibling adventure!

Comment down your thoughts or share this article for all your family and friends to see!

Psychological Analysis

This situation illustrates the complexities of child behavior and the importance of understanding underlying motivations.

Addressing these issues with empathy and guidance can foster healthier family dynamics.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In conclusion, addressing child behavior through understanding and communication is vital for fostering healthy development.

Research emphasizes the importance of teaching values and emotional intelligence to guide children in their choices.

Ultimately, a supportive approach can lead to better behavior outcomes and stronger familial relationships.

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