what if he were 16 instead of only 8? One time my son stole a candy bar in a store. at home I seen, back to store we went, I asked the clerk to really let him have it (he was 5) at first she said she couldn't I said if he was 16 what would you do? My son never stold again. I think our children need lessons in life to carry them throug. Yelling and spanking do nothing but teach anger. I am proud of you for the lesspn learned.